Helena Joyce
Indoor air pollution is a serious health hazard, and the air inside your home or workplace can be polluted. Indoor air pollution is caused by the release of harmful pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxins, which can be even more harmful than outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. These sources can include building materials, household cleaners, biological pollutants such as dust mites and pet dander, and secondhand tobacco smoke, which is estimated to cause about 7,300 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults in the United States annually. In developing countries, the indoor burning of solid fuels like wood, coal, and dung releases harmful pollutants, impacting air quality and human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) | Air quality within and around buildings and structures |
| IAQ relation to health | Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, respiratory diseases, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and cancer |
| Pollutants | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Particulate Matter (PM), inorganic compounds, physical chemicals, biological factors, NOx, SO2, O3, CO, radon, toxic metals, microorganisms, smoke, vapors, mold, and chemicals |
| Pollutant sources | Building materials, household cleaners, biological pollutants (dust mites, pet dander, plants, people, animals), combustion gases, tobacco smoke, cooking, fossil fuel combustion, machine operation, residential hobbies, solid fuel burning, cleaning products |
| Pollutant concentrations | Affected by ventilation, temperature, and humidity |
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Tobacco smoke
Secondhand smoke is a significant health risk, causing or triggering lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, reproductive issues, and other diseases. It is particularly dangerous for children, who are more susceptible to its harmful effects. In infants and young children up to three years old, exposure to ETS approximately doubles the incidence of bronchiolitis and can cause sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory and ear infections, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks.
ETS is a substantial contributor to the level of indoor particulate matter pollution. Particulate matter (PM) refers to particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) that can be deeply deposited in the airways. Indoor PM2.5 is considered the most reliable marker of the presence of tobacco smoke.
Thirdhand smoke (THS) is another concern, referring to the combination of tobacco smoke pollutants that remain in an indoor environment after smoking has stopped. THS includes semi-volatile compounds that settle on surfaces and are later re-emitted into the air, as well as particulate matter that accumulates on surfaces, in dust, carpets, upholstery, fabrics, and other porous materials. THS exposure can occur through inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion, and it can persist for months after the last instance of tobacco use.
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Poor ventilation
Inadequate ventilation can be due to a building's design and construction, which may minimise the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" in and out. This is especially true for buildings that have been made more energy-efficient, sometimes at the cost of adequate ventilation. The air exchange rate, or the rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air, is low when there is little infiltration (outdoor air flowing inside through openings, joints, and cracks), natural ventilation (air moving through open windows and doors), or mechanical ventilation (air moved by fans and ducts).
To improve indoor air quality, it is necessary to increase ventilation and ensure that known sources of indoor pollution are minimised. For instance, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can remove moisture and gases, while using ceiling fans with open windows can improve airflow. However, ventilation alone is not a solution to indoor air pollution, and it is important to also address the sources of pollution.
Additionally, outdoor air quality should be considered when improving indoor ventilation. On days with poor outdoor air quality, or when living near sources of outdoor air pollution such as busy highways or factories, it is not recommended to increase ventilation by opening windows and doors. In such cases, mechanical ventilation systems can be used to improve indoor air quality.
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Building materials
Older building materials can release indoor air pollutants when disturbed or removed. For example, asbestos fibres can be released from deteriorating building insulation or when old asbestos-containing materials are improperly removed. Other materials like tiles, insulation, or drywall may also contain asbestos, and lead paint was used in homes built before 1978. Tearing out or demolishing these materials without proper precautions can release toxic chemicals and asbestos fibres into the indoor air.
Pressed wood products, commonly used for indoor cabinetry, furniture, and wall panelling, often contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As these products age, they can emit formaldehyde and VOCs, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.
Additionally, building materials can contribute to indoor pollution through the release of biological pollutants. For example, mould and mildew can grow on building materials if moisture is not controlled, releasing disease-causing toxins.
When constructing or remodelling, it is essential to purchase low-emitting building materials and ensure adequate ventilation. Properly ventilating buildings can help prevent the accumulation of indoor air pollutants and reduce health risks for occupants.
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Household cleaning products
The range of toxins that can be released from cleaning products is extensive, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene. These compounds are also emitted from other sources within the home, such as new furniture, fittings, flooring, and paints. The cumulative effect of these various sources can result in high levels of VOCs in indoor air, which has been linked to adverse health effects.
In addition to VOCs, cleaning products can also contain toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS or PFCs, as well as 1,4-dioxane. These chemicals have been associated with serious health risks, including asthma and childhood cancers. The presence of these harmful ingredients and impurities in cleaning products underlines the importance of safe cleaning practices and the need for better regulation and labelling requirements.
The impact of indoor air pollution on health can be significant, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. High levels of pollutants in indoor air can lead to various symptoms, including headaches, coughing, nausea, respiratory problems, and irritation. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can also contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies.
To improve indoor air quality and reduce the impact of household cleaning products on indoor pollution, several measures can be taken. Firstly, it is important to choose cleaning products carefully, opting for those that are certified as safe and non-toxic. Using natural cleaning methods, such as vinegar and baking soda, can also help reduce the introduction of chemicals into the indoor environment. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation during and after cleaning can help dissipate any toxins that may have been released into the air.
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Radon
The main source of indoor radon is the radon produced by the decay of radium in the soil beneath a house. Radon can also enter buildings through cracks and fractures in the foundations, as well as through natural ventilation and infiltration. Infiltration occurs when outdoor air flows into buildings through openings, joints, and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, and around windows and doors. Natural ventilation occurs when air moves through open windows and doors. Mechanical ventilation devices, such as outdoor-vented fans, can also contribute to indoor radon levels.
The use of certain building materials can also increase radon exposure. Materials with high levels of radium-226, the parent isotope of radon, and high porosity can allow radon gas to escape. These include lightweight concrete with alum shale, phosphogypsum, and Italian tuff. The use of old uranium tailings as filling under buildings can also contribute to high radon concentrations indoors.
High radon levels in buildings can be reduced through various corrective actions and preventive measures. One approach is to prevent radon from entering the indoor environment through isolation and indoor air pressure manipulation. Another method is to install radon ventilation fans, which can significantly reduce radon levels. In many countries, building codes now include protective measures against radon in new constructions, particularly in radon-prone areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common sources of indoor air pollution include tobacco smoke, cooking, burning solid fuels, cleaning products, and inadequate ventilation.
Indoor air pollution can cause a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and cancer. The pollutants can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
To reduce indoor air pollution, one can improve ventilation, avoid smoking indoors, properly maintain combustion appliances, and use ventilation systems and air purifiers.
