Indoor Air Pollutants

Smoking Nation’s leading cause of preventable death 1205 deaths per day =418,000/yr

Carcinogens in a Cig! Acetaldehyde: 980 mcg Arsenic: Unknown Formaldehyde: Unknown Lead: Unknown Nicotine: 14 mcg Vinyl Chloride: 27 nanograms Benzene: mcg Carbon Monoxide

Radon NOT anthropogenic (human caused) Colorless, odorless gas that enters homes b/c of radioactive decay of Uranium 238 in earth’s rocks Seeps through foundation of houses Uranium Rock

Radon and Health A carcinogen 2 nd most common cause of lung cancer (21,000 deaths/yr, behind smoking) Test Kits Available for $10

Zone 1 = High, Zone 3 = Low

Remediation of Radon Suction systems underneath house Sealing cracks in foundation walls and floors Increased ventilation in house

Do You have this?Do You have this?

Mold A fungus that eats organic matter (wood, cardboard, drywall) Reproduces by releasing spores into air. Loves moist, humid conditions. Mold Spores

Mold and Health Triggers immune systems responses: allergies. Mold spores may germinate in lungs causing lung lesions. Vomiting

Asbestos Natural mineral  doesn’t burn, conduct heat or electricity Used in electrical insulation, roofing and car brakes Asbestos Hazard and Emergency Control Act of 1986: required all use of asbestos to be phased out by 1997

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos and Health Can separate in long thin fibers  enters lungsCan separate in long thin fibers  enters lungs – cancer, concentrations – cancer, mesothelioma if inhaled in high concentrations –Asbestosis: acid tries to eat away fiber; causes scarring of lungs.

Formaldehyde: H 2 CO Caused from incomplete combustion of C containing materials. Used as a preservative, in film processing, making glues for plywood and carpeting (construction materials). Products decay indoors, formaldehyde is released.

Formaldehyde and Health Common in houses Watery eyes, irritates mucous membranes, headaches, diff. breathing. CAN BE A CARCINOGEN!

Sick Building Syndrome Caused by too many indoor air pollutants Dizziness, headaches, rash, fever, fatigue New buildings get it more  conserving energy and newer construction materials. Causes absenteeism and loss of productivity.

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Created agency which ensures employers provide employees with an env. free from hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary conditions.

Children and Air Pollution EffectsEffects are compounded among children  lungs are still developing Have higher metabolic rates which require more O 2 To get more O 2, kids breathe larger volumes of air