Kiera Jefferson
Indoor air quality is a pressing issue, with indoor air pollution affecting the health and comfort of building occupants. Sources of indoor air pollution include outdoor air pollution, human activities within buildings, and biological contaminants. Building materials, furnishings, and products can also release pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxic chemicals. In this context, it is important to understand which indoor pollutants are commonly found in building materials, as this knowledge can help reduce the risk of adverse health effects associated with indoor air pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common indoor pollutants | Radon, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, Legionella bacterium, smoke, vapors, mold, asbestos, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, lead, pesticides |
| Health effects | Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer |
| Factors affecting indoor air quality | Air exchange rate, outdoor climate, weather conditions, occupant behavior, infiltration, natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, building design, construction, and operating parameters |
| Sources of indoor pollution | Building materials, furnishings, paints, adhesives, solvents, polishes, cleaning products, unvented or malfunctioning appliances, human activities such as smoking, burning solid fuels, cooking, and cleaning |
| Vulnerable populations | Tribes and indigenous people, children in schools, office workers |
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What You'll Learn
Pressed wood products
Formaldehyde is naturally occurring in wood, and wood products with higher levels of formaldehyde can exceed recommended indoor levels. While not all pressed wood is made with formaldehyde, it is important to choose products with lower emissions, such as those made with phenol resins instead of urea resins. "Exterior-grade" pressed wood products are a better choice as they fall under the CARB II standard, which sets legal limits for formaldehyde content in the US.
To reduce formaldehyde exposure, it is recommended to increase ventilation, especially when bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. Using air conditioning and dehumidifiers can also help maintain moderate temperatures and reduce humidity levels, which can slow the release of formaldehyde. Additionally, airing out building materials and carpets before installation and following manufacturer recommendations for ventilation can minimize the presence of formaldehyde and other VOCs in the indoor air.
It is worth noting that other chemicals used in pressure-treated wood, such as Tanalith E (containing Tebuconazole and Propiconazole), have been associated with health risks for workers in wood treatment facilities. Older building materials, such as tiles, insulation, drywall, and lead paint, can also release dangerous chemicals and should be handled with caution during remodelling or demolition.
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Paints and varnishes
The extent and nature of the health effects from exposure to indoor air pollution depend on factors such as the level of exposure and the length of time exposed. Symptoms may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Some organic compounds, such as benzene, are known human carcinogens.
It is important to note that claims of "No-VOC" or "VOC-free" paints may not always be accurate. Recent studies have shown that even products marketed as such can still release VOCs into the air. This is because the VOC content, as determined by the USEPA Test Method 24, does not always correlate with VOC emissions from the product.
To minimize the impact of paints and varnishes on indoor air quality, it is recommended to increase ventilation during and after painting or varnishing. Opened containers of unused paint or paint thinners should not be left indoors. Additionally, caution should be exercised when remodeling or demolishing older homes that may contain lead paint or asbestos.
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Asbestos
Despite its practical applications, asbestos poses significant health risks. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer found in the thin lining of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart. Another condition caused by asbestos exposure is asbestosis, a progressive long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs. Due to the health hazards associated with asbestos, regulatory bodies like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have banned its use in new construction and renovation projects.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during demolition, renovation, or maintenance work, asbestos fibres may be released into the air, creating a health hazard. Therefore, it is crucial to handle asbestos with caution. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, it is generally recommended to leave it undisturbed and seek professional advice if any disturbance or removal is necessary. An inspection or survey may be required, and an Asbestos Notification Form must be submitted to the EPA along with the application for a demolition or renovation permit.
To minimise the risk of exposure, proper safety protocols must be followed during asbestos removal. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation, using personal protective equipment, and carefully disposing of asbestos-containing waste materials. While the presence of asbestos in good condition may not be hazardous, damaged asbestos materials can crumble or turn into powder, releasing asbestos fibres and creating a health risk. Asbestos should not be disturbed without proper knowledge and equipment, as it may create a dangerous exposure situation.
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Radon
The concentration of radon indoors can vary depending on factors such as climate, construction techniques, ventilation, domestic habits, and geology. Radon tends to accumulate in enclosed spaces and can reach dangerous levels in residential buildings and workplaces. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. Radon-related lung cancers result in an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.
While most building materials produce insignificant amounts of radon, some specific materials can act as significant sources of radon exposure. For example, granite countertops, tiles, and building materials made from volcanic tuff, alum shale concrete, by-product phosphogypsum, and some industrial waste materials may contain high concentrations of radium or uranium, which can decay into radon. However, it is important to note that water supplies and indoor thoron from building materials are less common sources of radon exposure compared to soil and groundwater.
To reduce the risk of radon exposure, it is recommended to test for radon levels in your home, especially in the lowest areas of the building. If elevated levels are detected, mitigation systems can be installed to collect and vent radon gas from underneath the home, reducing indoor radon levels. Additionally, when using building materials, it is important to air them out and ensure proper ventilation during installation to minimise the potential for radon accumulation.
Overall, radon is a significant indoor pollutant that can have serious health consequences, and it is important to take preventive measures to ensure safe indoor air quality.
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Formaldehyde
Indoor formaldehyde levels can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and air exchange rates. Levels may be higher on hot and humid days and lower on cool, dry days. Residences or offices that contain products that release formaldehyde into the air can have levels greater than 0.03 ppm, which is the typical concentration in both outdoor and indoor air. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), symptoms of formaldehyde exposure occur at air concentrations of about 0.4 to 3.0 ppm.
Congress, regulators, and industry have made efforts to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act was signed into law in 2010, providing a framework for regulating emissions at the national level. As a result, indoor formaldehyde emissions have significantly declined.
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Frequently asked questions
Some indoor pollutants commonly found in building materials include formaldehyde, benzene, asbestos, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Indoor pollutants can be released into the air through various sources, including the use of building materials, furnishings, and household products. Infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation also play a role in the movement of indoor air.
Exposure to indoor pollutants can have various health effects, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Some indoor pollutants, such as radon, are known human carcinogens, while others, such as carbon monoxide, can be lethal in elevated concentrations.
