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An increasing number of people spend most of their time indoors, as modern lifestyles are often centered around indoor activities, either at home or in the workplace. Despite the comfort and convenience that this offers, it presents a growing concern for public health: indoor air pollution. Even though it may not seem as palpable as outdoor pollution, the air within homes, offices, and other buildings can be more polluted than outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.
This issue is of paramount importance as it has potential implications for health. Those who are exposed to indoor air pollutants for long periods of time are often more at risk for health problems, including allergies, respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even cancer. There is, therefore, a pressing need to explore common indoor air pollutants, their sources, health impacts, and mitigation measures.
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get inhaled into the body. PM may be comprised of dust, dirt, soot, or smoke particles, and also tiny liquid droplets that contain acids, chemicals, and other harmful materials. Elevated indoor levels of particulate matter can be found in virtually any setting, from homes and workplaces to schools and other indoor areas.
The sources of indoor particulate matter vary widely—it can be generated through smoking, burning candles, operating kerosene heaters, or cooking. It can also infiltrate from outside, enter the building through doors, windows, and cracks in walls.
In terms of health effects, the size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Those PM that is 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller can pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. Long-term exposure may lead to problems like respiratory and heart diseases, while short-term exposures can aggravate existing heart or lung diseases.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no color, odor, or taste and occurs naturally in soil and rock. It tends to collect in homes, usually entering the indoor environment through cracks and holes in the foundation. Other potential sources include certain building materials and well water.
Once inhaled, radon gas particles can ionize radiation that can damage tissue lining the lungs and lead to lung cancer over time. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products used to construct and maintain homes. They are released from a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples are paints and lacquers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, copiers and printers, correction fluids, craft materials, and adhesive.
When these VOCs are released indoors, they contribute to high levels of indoor air pollution and related health problems. Symptoms can range from eye, nose, and throat irritation to damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are known to cause cancer in humans.
Hopefully until here now, I have given you an idea of how some common pollutants in the indoor environment impact human health. Although it is virtually impossible to eliminate exposure to all indoor air pollution, understanding its sources and effects can lead to effective strategies in reducing overall pollutant levels.
