What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Research indicates that people spend approximately 80 ~ 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are exposed to polluted indoor air that may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even lung cancer or other malignancies. Recent study reveals that bacteria, molds and house dust mites bred inside carpets and air conditioners can be airborne by dust particles, paints, varnishes, harmful chemical fibers and pressed wood products, which are most commonly used in household decoration, may emit formaldehyde, benzene and other hazardous and carcinogenic organic chemicals -- all these as well as unwholesome matters produced in the metabolism of human bodies and ammonia inside toilets have made the air within homes and other buildings more seriously polluted than the outdoor air.  more

It has been estimated that we spend approximately 90% of our lives indoors, so being aware of indoor air pollution is quite important for the protection of our health.  more

Indoor air pollution can be any number of pollutants. Radon, asbestos, tobacco smoke, solvents, cleaning solutions, carbon monoxide, mold, and fungus can pollute indoor air. Indoor air pollution souces include attached garages, new carpets and furniture, water leaks and condensation, chemical storage, poorly operating heaters, and is worsened by inadequate ventilation. Here are some facts: • Indoor air pollution may exist at levels 2 to 5 times more than outdoor levels. • Sometimes, the concentration indoors is 100 times the outdoor pollutant concentration. • Studies indicate children spend more and more time indoors, and less and less outside. • People may spend 90% of their time indoors. Because of this, indoor air pollution is now receiving a great amount of attention. What are the potential health effects? The health effects depend on the chemical, its concentration in the air, and the length of exposure. Long term health effects can include: • cancer • chronic bronchitis • ...  more

Indoor-air pollution is basically the accumulation of airborne levels of fine particles and volatile chemicals such as formaldehyde, which results from building materials, furnishings inside homes and offices and building systems like cleaning and equipment use. Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas. It is widely used to manufacture building and household products, especially as an adhesive resin in pressed wood products. What are the health effects? Indoor-air pollution is one of the main causes of what is known as the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This phenomenon is the mysterious condition wherein many occupants experience various health or comfort problems connected to the time spent in a particular building, for which no specific illness or sickness has been identified. It has been established however that Sick Building Syndrome may also be caused by acoustic, thermal, illumination and other aspects of indoor environment. Health effects of indoor-air pollution can ...  more

Indoor air pollution consists of toxic gases or particles that can harm your health. These pollutants can build up rapidly indoors to levels much higher than those usually found outdoors. This is especially true if large amounts of a pollutant are released indoors. Moreover, "tighter" construction in newer homes can prevent pollutants from escaping to the outdoors. Sources and Potential Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants Pollutant Major Indoor Sources Potential Health Effects* Environmental Tobacco Smoke Cigarettes, Cigars and Pipes Respiratory Irritation, Bronchitis and Pneumonia in Children; Emphysema, Lung Cancer and Heart Disease Carbon Monoxide Unvented or Malfunctioning Gas Appliances, Wood Stoves and Tobacco Smoke Headache, Nausea, Angina, Impaired Vision and Mental Functioning, Fatal at High Concentrations Nitrogen Oxides Unvented or Malfunctioning Gas Appliances Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation; Increased Respiratory Infections in Children Organic Chemicals Aerosol ...  more

The air we breathe inside our homes can be 5 to 100 times more polluted than the air outside! The EPA identifies sources of indoor air pollution as second-hand cigarette smoke, building materials, pressed wood products, home cleaning products, pesticides, adhesives, personal care products and others. Without proper ventilation to outside air, you and your family may be at risk for the development of short term as well as long term health effects. Some short term effects are headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Most of the time these symptoms are easily treated by removing yourself from the source of pollution. Long term effects may show up years after the exposure or after several periods of exposure. Heart disease, cancer, and some respiratory diseases are a few of the possible health risks from exposure to indoor air pollution.  more

Harmful particles that originate inside and tend to stay inside become indoor air pollution. The most common culprits are dust, which is 70% percent dead skin, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, microscopic organisms, smoke, and chemicals from cleaning products. Certain rooms contain higher amounts of certain allergens, but even offices and the interior of cars are susceptible to indoor pollution. None of these spaces have adequate ventilation to freshen air, and all of them have unnecessarily high humidity. The top indoor allergen is dust mite protein, created by mite carcasses and excretion. As with most allergies, exposure to dust mites can cause congestion, red and itchy eyes, itchy skin, or respiratory problems. These mites rely on a moist, warm environment with lots of dust; conditions that are common in most people's living and work places. Millions of mites are sustained by water vapor and nutrients from our skin flakes and bacteria. The bedroom is the most affected as there ...  more

Indoor air pollution is a major public health problem that threatens virtually all workers in New York State's school buildings; from teachers and custodians to nurses and office staff. Contaminated indoor air occurs when toxic substances combine with inadequate building ventilation causing health problems such as eye irritation, nose and throat irritation, sinus discomfort, headaches, sneezing and coughing, respiratory infections, and fatigue. Because of varying sensitivity among people, one individual may react to a particular indoor air quality (IAQ) problem while surrounding occupants do not display ill effects. In other cases, complaints may be widespread. In addition to different degrees of reaction, an indoor air pollutant or problem can trigger different types of reactions in different people. Groups that may be particularly susceptible to effects of indoor air contaminants include, but are not limited to: • allergic or asthmatic individuals, or people with sensitivity to ...  more

Research indicates that people spend approximately 80 ~ 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are exposed to polluted indoor air that may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even lung cancer or other malignancies. Recent study reveals that bacteria, molds and house dust mites bred inside carpets and air conditioners can be airborne by dust particles, paints, varnishes, harmful chemical fibers and pressed wood products, which are most commonly used in household decoration, may emit formaldehyde, benzene and other hazardous and carcinogenic organic chemicals -- all these as well as unwholesome matters produced in the metabolism of human bodies and ammonia inside toilets have made the air within homes and other buildings more seriously polluted than the outdoor air. People may experience one or more of the following reactions when exposed to indoor air pollution: Allergic Reactions Some common signs and symptoms are: Watery eyes ...  more

Indoor air pollution consists of toxic gases or particles that can harm your health. These pollutants can build up rapidly indoors to levels much higher than those usually found outdoors. This is especially true if large amounts of a pollutant are released indoors. Moreover, "tighter" construction in newer homes can prevent pollutants from escaping to the outdoors.  more