1. Indoor Air Pollution

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution is usually much worse than outdoor air pollution
Combustion sources: oil, gas, wood, tobacco
Building materials and furnishings
Household products: cleaning and personal care
Household appliances: unvented mechanics, HVAC
Outdoor sources that get indoors: radon, etc.
Worst in developing countries
Appliances and products without ventilation

3. Combustion Sources
Sources: unvented space heaters, leaking chimney or fireplace, back-drafting, gas stoves, attached garage
Human Health:
Low levels cause flu symptoms, lung irritation etc.
High levels of CO can kill

4. Building Materials and Furnishings
Asbestos
Old or deteriorated insulation or roofing
Carcinogen: lung cancer
Formaldehyde
Common in particle-board, carpet glues, and textiles
Eye, nose and throat irritation, allergies, asthma, possible carcinogen
Wet or damp areas
Mold and dust, cause irritation and allergy problems

5. Household Products
Cleaning products, personal care, pesticides, and hobby materials (glues, paints, markers)
Toxic materials require proper ventilation!!!
Industrial Solvents are V.O.C.’s
Benzene (adhesives, dry cleaning, paints, detergent)
Many as solvents: cleaning, hygiene, cosmetics, etc.
Nausea, fatigue, toxicity, cancer risks

6. Household Appliances and Systems
Unvented Appliances
Gas stoves, furnaces, space heaters (CO, NOx, SO2)
HVAC Systems
Breed mold and bacteria, and spread it
Legionnaire’s Disease (pneumonia though air vents)

7. Outdoor Sources Radon Chimney Effect
Leaks from soil into basement and house
Chimney Effect
Pollutants move inward through doors and windows and vent upwards through tall, heated buildings

8. Sick Building Syndrome
Headaches and allergic-like reactions with unspecified stimuli
Energy efficiency increases indoor pollutants by sealing them inside
Often related to microbial problems: mold, dust, dust mites, bacteria, and other pathogens

9. Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Cigarette smoke*
Formaldehyde*
Radon –222*
Ultra-fine particulates*
Asbestos
Pesticides
Molds
Dust mites and pollens
Legionella pneumophila (and other bacteria)