INDOOR AIR POLLUTION At risk: a. smokers b.      infants and children < 5 c.       old, sick and pregnant d.      those with respiratory/ heart problems e.       factory workers  

“SICK BUILDING SYNDROME” “Sick Building Syndrome” is a condition where a person experiences fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and flu-like symptoms due to poor indoor air quality. Causes: cigarette smoke 2.      formaldehyde 3.      Asbestos 4.      Radon-222  Indoor air pollutants are spread throughout a building through air ventilation systems and ceiling fibers.

CIGARETTE SMOKE 1.Cigarette Smoke – (first hand or second hand); CO gas from smoking reacts with hemoglobin in RBC and decreases oxygen in the blood stream. This results in impaired perception and thinking, slower reflexes, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. People who have heart disease are at risk of having heart attacks. People with respiratory sensitivity or disease can experience bronchitis, emphysema, and anemia.

FORMALDEHYDE Formaldehyde – emitted from common building materials. Formaldehyde exposure has caused cancer in laboratory rats. Can also cause dizziness, nausea and headaches.

ASBESTOS Asbestos – A silicate mineral (amphibole) used in building materials for fireproofing. ONLY dangerous when it is airborne. The asbestos shard-like fibers cause lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the chest cavity).

ASBESTOS -         Between 1900-1984 asbestos was sprayed on ceilings and walls of schools and other public and private buildings for fireproofing, soundproofing, insulation of heaters and pipes, and for wall and ceiling decorations. -         EPA banned asbestos in 1984. -         1991 The Appellate court overturned the ’89 EPA ban and Canada and the USA are still producing products made of asbestos! BIG BUSINESS!! -         In public buildings such as schools it is better to seal the asbestos than to remove it. Once it is disturbed, it becomes airborne.

ASBESTOS 1998 – Chemist invented a foam (sealant) that initiates a chemical reaction that binds the asbestos minerals together to form a hard, nontoxic material that acts as a fireproofing material.

LUNG DAMAGE

MESOTHELIOMA

RADON-222 GAS Radon-222 Gas – (odorless, tasteless, colorless). It is a product from the radioactive decay of uranium 238 which is present in granite and shale bedrock.

RADON-222-GAS -         Harmless – when it seeps upward through the soil to the atmosphere and dissipates. -         Harmful – when it seeps upward through the soil into basements through foundation cracks or into the groundwater. It can build to dangerous levels, cling to particles and become lodged in lung tissue. -         If inhales, lung tissue is exposed to ionizing radiation from alpha particles and may produce lung cancer. -         To test for radon-222: purchase a home-testing kit for 20-100 dollars. -         New Jersey – high area for Radon-222 due to much bedrock of granite and shale. -         Long Island – no bedrock = no radon-222!

RADON TESTING

How Can We Reduce Indoor Air Pollution? Ban smoking in public places – ongoing Cover ceiling tiles and AC ducts stricter formaldehyde emission standards for furniture and building materials prevent radon-222 infiltration by better construction and planning techniques use office machines in well ventilated areas use less harmful substances such as paints, varnishes and cleaners).

How Can Laws Be Improved? Pollution prevention is best! Increase fuel efficiency standards for indoor equipment. Campaign Finance Reform!

IS THIS AGE APPROPRIATE?