© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. This lecture will help you understand: Indoor air pollution and solutions

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Indoor air pollution Indoor air pollution = in workplaces, schools, and homes -Health effects are greater than from outdoor pollution The average U.S. citizen spends 90% of the time indoors -Exposed to synthetic materials that have not been comprehensively tested Being environmentally prudent can make it worse -To reduce heat loss and improve efficiency, ventilation systems were sealed off -Windows do not open, trapping pollutants inside

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Indoor air pollution in the developing world Stems from burning wood, charcoal, dung, crop wastes with little to no ventilation Fuel burning pollution causes 1.6 million deaths/year -Soot and carbon monoxide -Pneumonia, bronchitis, lung cancer, allergies, cataracts, asthma, heart disease, etc.

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Tobacco smoke and radon The most dangerous indoor pollutants in developed nations Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is very dangerous -Contains over 4,000 chemical compounds -Causes eye, nose, and throat irritation -Smoking has declined in developed nations Radon causes 21,000 deaths a year in the U.S. -A radioactive gas resulting from natural decay of rock, soil, or water that can seep into buildings -New homes are being built that are radon resistant

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Radon risk across the U.S.

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. VOCs pollute indoor air The most diverse group of indoor air pollutants -Released by everything from plastics and oils to perfumes and paints -Most VOCs are released in very small amounts Unclear health implications due to low concentrations Formaldehyde leaking from pressed wood and insulation irritates mucous membranes and induces skin allergies Pesticides seep through floors and walls -Are brought in on shoe soles

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Sources of indoor air pollution

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Living organisms can pollute indoors Dust mites and animal dander worsen asthma Fungi, mold, mildew, airborne bacteria cause allergies, asthma, other respiratory ailments, and diseases Building-related illness = a sickness produced by indoor pollution Sick building syndrome = a sickness produced by indoor pollution with general and nonspecific symptoms -Reduced by using low-toxicity building materials and good ventilation

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. We can reduce indoor air pollution In developed countries: -Use low-toxicity materials, limit use of plastics and treated wood, monitor air quality, keep rooms clean -Provide adequate ventilation -Limit exposure to known toxicants -Test homes and offices and use CO detectors In developing countries: -Dry wood before burning -Cook outside -Use less-polluting fuels (natural gas)