Brian Barton
Indoor air pollution is a serious threat to human health, causing millions of deaths each year. Indoor air pollutants can originate from both outdoor sources and sources unique to the indoor environment. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is considered one of the most important indoor air pollutants. Radon enters buildings from the ground, particularly in areas with uranium-containing rock, and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US.
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What You'll Learn
Radon
Testing for radon is the only way to know if a building has a radon problem. Do-it-yourself test kits are inexpensive and simple to use, or one can work with a professional to conduct more comprehensive testing. If elevated radon levels are detected, mitigation systems can be installed to collect radon gas from underneath the building and vent it outdoors, thus reducing indoor radon levels.
In summary, radon is a significant indoor air pollutant that can have serious health consequences, particularly lung cancer. Its invisible, odourless, and tasteless nature makes it difficult to detect without testing, and its radioactive byproducts can cause long-term damage to lung tissue. Addressing radon exposure through testing and mitigation systems is crucial to protect human health, especially for populations spending a significant amount of time indoors.
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Volatile organic compounds
VOCs are of particular concern because they can have serious health impacts. They are known to cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer. They may also worsen symptoms for people with asthma and COPD.
The high vapor pressure of VOCs is due to their low boiling point, which relates to the number of the sample's molecules in the surrounding air, known as volatility. The volatility of a compound is generally higher when its boiling point temperature is lower. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes indoor organic pollutants as Very Volatile Organic Compounds (VVOCs), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Semivolatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs). The higher the volatility, the more likely the compound will be emitted from a product or surface into the air.
To reduce exposure to VOCs, proper ventilation is crucial. Ventilation systems can dilute indoor air pollutants, control internal humidity, and promote a healthy and comfortable environment. Mechanical ventilation systems use equipment such as fans or blowers, while natural ventilation systems rely on the exchange of indoor and outdoor air without mechanical assistance. Additionally, limiting the use of products containing VOCs, such as through regulatory measures, can help mitigate the presence of these harmful compounds.
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Mould and moisture
To prevent mould growth and minimise its health impacts, it is crucial to control moisture levels indoors. This can be achieved through proper ventilation, which helps to remove stale indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air, reducing humidity and inhibiting mould growth. Mechanical ventilation systems, such as fans or blowers, can be employed, or natural ventilation can be utilised by simply opening windows and doors to promote air circulation.
In addition to ventilation, addressing water damage and leaks is essential for preventing mould. This may involve fixing plumbing issues, repairing roof leaks, or addressing external drainage problems that may be contributing to moisture intrusion. Ensuring that the building is properly maintained and that any water-damaged materials, such as wet insulation, ceiling tiles, or carpets, are dried or replaced can also help to prevent mould growth.
Maintaining low humidity levels is another crucial aspect of mould prevention. This can be achieved through the use of dehumidifiers, especially in particularly humid environments or during periods of high humidity. Additionally, ensuring proper insulation and vapour barriers in walls, attics, and crawl spaces can help prevent moisture condensation and accumulation, creating an environment less conducive to mould growth.
Overall, mould and moisture are critical indoor air pollutants that can have significant impacts on human health. By controlling moisture levels, improving ventilation, addressing water damage, and maintaining low humidity, the growth of mould can be inhibited, creating healthier indoor environments.
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Combustion products
One of the most well-known combustion pollutants is carbon monoxide (CO), produced by combustion appliances like space heaters, gas ranges, ovens, furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, and wood or coal-burning stoves. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly at high concentrations, as it interferes with oxygen delivery in the body. Other combustion pollutants include nitrogen dioxide, particles, and sulfur dioxide.
In addition to appliances, combustion pollutants can also come from chimneys, flues, and cracked furnace heat exchangers. When these are improperly installed or maintained, pollutants can be "back-drafted" from the chimney into the living space, especially in weatherized homes.
The types and amounts of pollutants produced depend on the appliance type, its installation, maintenance, ventilation, and the kind of fuel used. For example, unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, as well as gas stoves, can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particles into the indoor air.
To reduce exposure to combustion pollutants, proper maintenance and ventilation are crucial. Following manufacturer instructions, regularly changing filters, and ensuring adequate ventilation can help minimize the presence of these harmful pollutants in indoor spaces.
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Biological contaminants
Indoor air pollution is a serious threat to human health, causing millions of deaths each year. The respiratory system is often the primary target of indoor air pollution as pollutants are usually inhaled. Biological contaminants are a type of indoor pollutant that includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, mites, animal dander, pollen, and their by-products such as endotoxins and mycotoxins.
The sources of biological contaminants are varied. Pollen originates from plants, viruses are transmitted by people and animals, and bacteria are carried by people, animals, soil, and plant debris. Household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander, which can also cause allergic reactions. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen that becomes airborne when dry. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other biological contaminants, distributing them throughout a building.
Standing water, water-damaged materials, and wet surfaces also serve as breeding grounds for biological contaminants. House dust mites, a powerful biological allergen, grow in damp, warm environments. To minimize the growth of biological contaminants, the relative humidity in a home should be controlled and maintained between 30-50%. Additionally, exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help reduce organic pollutants, and attic and crawl spaces should be ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
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Frequently asked questions
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is considered the most important indoor air pollutant. It is generated from the decay of uranium and radium found in rocks and soils. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, causing about 21,000 deaths annually.
Radon can enter buildings through cracks or gaps in the foundation and accumulate in basements. Its concentration in buildings varies regionally and locally.
Radon concentrations can be controlled using relatively inexpensive methods such as a small fan connected to a PVC pipe system. This system reduces the pressure of the soil gas and vents the radon-rich air into the atmosphere, preventing it from entering the building.
