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Indoor Air Pollution
© Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Environment
We spend a large part of our lives indoors at home. Keeping the air which
we breathe at home clean is therefore of necessary importance,
particularly for certain vulnerable members, including babies, children,
pregnant women and the unborn babies, the elderly, and those suffering
from respiratory or allergic diseases, such as asthma.
In most homes the level of indoor air pollution is very low, because there
are controls on the design and construction of buildings. However, if
ventilation of rooms is poor, or household appliances are faulty,
pollution can build up to levels which may be detrimental to human health.
There are many possible sources of air pollutants in the home and indoor
air quality can vary widely. DIY work may lead to a temporary increase in
indoor pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), during
painting or stripping in enclosed spaces, or laying loft insulation.
Another significant source of indoor pollution is the burning of fuels in
flueless appliances, such as paraffin stoves, portable gas heaters, gas
stoves and ovens. If the appliance is faulty, incomplete combustion may
result in the release of carbon monoxide, a highly poisonous gas. Carbon
monoxide also builds up when people smoke cigarettes indoors. Dirty homes
or houses in disrepair may be a source of dustmite and mold spores. In
some parts of the UK, and in other parts of the world, the radioactive gas
radon can seep into the house from the underlying geology, and accumulate
indoors if ventilation is poor.
Housing and public health legislation exists to help prevent air quality
problems arising indoors in the first place. In the majority of homes
there is no need for concern over existing levels of pollutants.
Indoor Air Pollution Reference:
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