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Assessing health risks of indoor air pollution

Indoor exposure to air pollutants may occur in both private and public indoor environments such as homes, offices, schools, and transport systems.

Some indoor air pollutants come from the outside, but most are released inside the building, for example when cleaning or when burning fuel for cooking and heating. Furniture and construction materials can also emit pollutants. Dampness and lack of ventilation may further increase indoor air pollution.

Because indoor air can contain a mixture of many different pollutants, it is very difficult to assess the associated risks to health. Moreover, there is no such thing as a “typical indoor environment”.

This opinion considers how health risks of indoor air pollutants are currently evaluated and how they should be assessed in the future, taking into account simultaneous exposure to multiple pollutants and particularly vulnerable groups of the population such as children, pregnant women, and elderly people.

What are the main factors in indoor air quality?

• Certain chemicals from household products and home appliances are known to irritate the eyes, nose and throat. However, for many chemicals present in indoor air information is lacking on the possible health effects of long-term exposure, such as cancer or reproductive effects.
• Radon occurs naturally in parts of Europe. It can get inside buildings and may lead to lung cancer.
• Suspended particles can cause harmful effects on health, particularly on the respiratory system.
• Microbes, such as molds and viruses, can contribute to the development of asthma and allergies.
• Pets and pests such as dust mites, cockroaches, and mice, are important indoor sources of allergens.
• Low humidity causes eye irritation, dryness of the skin and the nose, and rashes, while high humidity fosters the growth of molds and dust mites.
• Insufficient ventilation, one of the most important factors in poor indoor air quality, may affect health and work performance.
• Indoor temperatures that are too high or too low are unpleasant and can be unhealthy.

How can scientists determine whether indoor air pollutants pose a health risk?

To determine whether pollutants may cause health effects, it is necessary to consider four aspects:

• Toxicity of pollutants and their concentrations in indoor air. Indoor air can for instance contain organic compounds, particles, or microbes that may cause allergies or other health effects.
• Exposure. People are mainly exposed to air pollutants when breathing but may also be exposed via other routes, such as dust ingestion. Since exposures can vary, even very low and very high exposures should be considered not only average ones.

• Exposure-response relationships. To assess the risk posed by a given pollutant, it is important to know how the body responds to different concentrations in the air. Health effects observed in people who have been exposed to pollutants at work are valuable in determining the risks posed by a particular pollutant. However, such findings may not be directly applicable to the general public.

• Risk characterization. In the final step of the risk assessment process, all the collected scientific evidence is analyzed to determine the probability that a specific pollutant will cause illness.

Are certain people more vulnerable than others to indoor air pollution?

Population groups that are potentially more vulnerable than others to indoor air pollution are children, pregnant women, elderly people, and people suffering from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.

Depending on their age, children may be more vulnerable than adults to certain toxic substances, like lead and tobacco smoke. Even at low levels, air pollutants may disrupt the development of their lungs, cause cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases, and make asthma worse.

Factors other than age and the presence of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases that may render some people more vulnerable are genetic traits, lifestyle, nutrition, and other health problems.

Why are the combined effects of indoor air pollutants hard to measure?

Like outdoor air, indoor air contains a complex mixture of pollutants (chemical substances, allergens, and microbes) from different sources that change with time.

Findings on the health effects of single air pollutants cannot necessarily be extended to mixtures. Indeed, different chemicals may interact with each other and cause more (or less) harmful effects than the sum of the effects caused by each chemical separately. Very little is known about the combined effects of indoor air pollutants.

Risk assessments that take into account the combined exposure and cumulative effects of the pollutants in indoor air are seldom possible. Nonetheless, the possibility of combined effects should be considered in the risk assessment taking a case-by-case approach.

Which chemicals found in indoor air are causing the most concern?’

Here is the list of chemicals:

• Among the combustion products that are generated by heating systems and other home appliances using gas, fuel, or wood, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are of special concern.
• Tobacco smoke contains several types of harmful pollutants, including benzene and fine and ultrafine particles. In adults, passive smoking can cause irritation, aggravated respiratory symptoms, and coronary heart disease. In children, it can lead to sudden death syndrome and middle ear infections.
• Radon occurs naturally in certain regions. It can get inside buildings and may lead to lung cancer.
• Lead, which is still present in the paintwork of some old houses, is harmful to children even at low-level exposure.
• Organophosphate pesticides, which are often used against insects in the home, can affect the development of the nervous system and could be of concern for children.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde, and naphthalene which are known to have health effects are emitted by many consumer products. VOCs may react with ground-level ozone to form secondary pollutants that can cause irritation. Altogether, the concentrations of VOCs and ozone-causing mixture effects are as yet poorly known.

Conclusion

The detrimental health effects of air pollution cannot be ignored. The evidence presented in this blog underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat air pollution and protect public health.

It is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together in adopting cleaner technologies, promoting sustainable practices, and implementing stricter regulations to mitigate air pollution.

By prioritizing clean air, we can create a healthier and safer environment for current and future generations. Let us unite in our efforts to breathe clean air and safeguard our well-being.

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Indoor air pollution is an often overlooked but significant environmental issue affecting millions of people worldwide. While we tend to associate air pollution with outdoor spaces, the air quality inside our homes, offices, schools, and other indoor environments can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.

Understanding Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution refers to the presence of harmful pollutants in the air within enclosed spaces. These pollutants can originate from both indoor and outdoor sources, and their accumulation can reach levels that exceed outdoor air pollution levels. Common indoor pollutants include:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Found in paints, cleaning products, furniture, and carpets, VOCs can release harmful gases into the air, leading to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and even long-term health issues.
• Biological Contaminants: These include mold, bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and pet dander. They thrive in humid environments and can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Particles such as dust, pollen, smoke, and soot can become suspended in the air, posing a threat to our respiratory system when inhaled. Fine particles (PM2.5) are of particular concern as they can penetrate deep into our lungs.

Sources of INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Inadequate Ventilation

• Poor ventilation restricts the flow of fresh outdoor air into indoor spaces.
• Inadequate ventilation systems or sealed windows prevent the proper exchange of indoor and outdoor air.
• Without sufficient ventilation, indoor air pollutants become trapped and accumulate within the space.
• Lack of fresh air circulation leads to stagnant indoor air, increasing the concentration of harmful pollutants.
• Insufficient ventilation exacerbates the health risks associated with indoor air pollution, potentially causing respiratory issues and other health problems.

2. Combustion Sources

• Appliances such as stoves, fireplaces, and heaters that burn fuels like gas, oil, coal, or wood emit pollutants into the indoor air.
• Combustion of these fuels releases harmful substances, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter.
• Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be lethal in high concentrations, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and even death.
• Nitrogen dioxide, produced during the combustion process, can irritate the respiratory system, cause respiratory infections, and worsen asthma symptoms.
• Particulate matter, consisting of tiny particles suspended in the air, can be inhaled and cause respiratory issues, particularly fine particles (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs.

3. Building Materials

Certain building materials and furnishings can release pollutants into the indoor air gradually.

Asbestos, a harmful mineral once commonly used in construction, can release asbestos fibers when disturbed, leading to serious respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC), can be emitted by various building materials, including plywood, particleboard, and certain types of insulation. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can cause respiratory irritation, allergies, and even cancer.

Lead, often found in older homes in paint and plumbing materials, can contaminate indoor air when deteriorating. Ingesting or inhaling lead particles can lead to developmental delays, neurological problems, and other severe health issues, especially in children.

Carpets, insulation, and furniture may contain various chemicals, such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can off-gas over time. These chemicals can contribute to poor indoor air quality and potentially cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health concerns.

Effects of Indoor Air Pollution

The health effects of indoor air pollution can range from mild discomfort to severe respiratory conditions and even chronic diseases. Some notable effects include:

1. Respiratory Issues

Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants increases the risk of developing allergies, triggering allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itching, and watery eyes.

Indoor air pollutants, particularly allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander, can worsen asthma symptoms, leading to frequent asthma attacks and respiratory distress.

Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, are more likely to occur in individuals exposed to high levels of indoor air pollutants, as these pollutants can weaken the immune system and compromise respiratory health.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, can be exacerbated or even caused by long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants, particularly tobacco smoke and fine particles.

Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants has also been associated with the development of other respiratory conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.

2. Allergic Reactions

Dust mites, microscopic organisms commonly found in bedding, upholstery, and carpets, can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itching.

Mold spores, which thrive in damp and poorly ventilated areas, can become airborne and cause allergic reactions when inhaled. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, and watery eyes.

Pet dander, consisting of tiny skin flakes and proteins shed by pets, can act as a potent allergen for individuals with pet allergies. Exposure to pet dander can result in symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, itching, and nasal congestion.

Allergic reactions triggered by dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can vary in severity, ranging from mild discomfort to more pronounced symptoms that significantly impact daily life.

Individuals with allergies need to minimize exposure to these allergens through regular cleaning, maintaining proper indoor humidity levels, using allergen-proof bedding, and keeping pets out of bedrooms or designated allergen-free areas.

3. Cardiovascular Problems

Fine particles, known as PM2.5, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in indoor air have been associated with increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Prolonged exposure to these indoor pollutants can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular issues.

Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic inflammation and damaging blood vessels.

VOCs, emitted by various sources such as paints, cleaning products, and building materials, can contribute to the formation of harmful secondary pollutants and trigger adverse cardiovascular effects when inhaled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common sources of indoor air pollutants?

Common sources include combustion appliances (stoves, heaters), building materials, cleaning products, and biological contaminants like mold and pet dander.

How can indoor air pollution affect my health?

Prolonged exposure can lead to allergies, asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and even chronic conditions like COPD. It can also contribute to cardiovascular issues and impaired cognitive function.

How can inadequate ventilation worsen indoor air pollution?

Poor ventilation limits the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, allowing pollutants to accumulate. Buildings with inadequate ventilation systems or sealed windows exacerbate this problem.

What are some examples of indoor pollutants that can trigger allergic reactions?

Dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are common allergens found indoors that can cause symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itching, and watery eyes.

How can I reduce indoor air pollution?

Improve ventilation, regularly clean and maintain your living space, use low-emission products, and consider air purifiers to filter out pollutants. Avoid smoking indoors and address any moisture issues promptly to prevent mold growth.

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