The Effects Of Indoor Air Pollution

People spend a large part of their life inside homes, classrooms, private facilities, and public buildings, so the quality of air is crucial for people’s health and well being. According to World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1.6 million people worldwide die prematurely from indoor air pollution every year. The concentration of indoor air pollutants is often “2 to 5 times higher” than outdoor concentrations due to poor ventilation, high temperature and humidity levels (Are our Buildings). Hazardous materials emitted from buildings or human activities that is are created indoors, such as cooking or smoking can lead to health problems that can become fatal. There are standards for indoor workplaces which keeps workers safe, on the other hand,

Around the world, there are countless studies that have shown how high amounts of air pollution affects everyone. However, certain people such as infants, irritant-sensitive people, or the elderly are more prone to health effects resulting from air pollutants. Health effects range from worsening of allergies, skin irritation, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems (such as asthma), cancer to premature deaths. Luckily, there are ways to prevent pollutants from worsening people’s health. However, this can only be regulated by the occupants of a home, since the government is not in charge of regulating indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution isn’t limited to a person’s home, once they enter a workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA sets standards and regulations for indoor workplaces. There are building related illnesses, one of which is called the sick-building syndrome. The term “sick-building syndrome” is used to characterize a situation in which people inside a building experience some “health or comfort effects” that is linked to time spent inside. Some symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, eye, nose or throat irritation. Mainly this is caused poor ventilation systems and poor planned renovations (The Inside Story). If anyone suspects that there is a problem, it’s a

Two solutions that can reduce indoor air pollution is increasing ventilation inside your home or building as well as reducing the emission source of the pollutants. Some signs that indicates that occupants need to increase their ventilation is if they detect odors or stuffy air, have a dirty central heating or a/c, sees moisture condensing throughout the walls or windows of the building, or even have areas where they know books and other items can become moldy (Indoor Air). There are many ways to ventilate a building. One of which includes natural ventilation where the occupants opens up some windows and doors. Another form of ventilation is called mechanical ventilation where air exchange is balanced by a mechanical ventilation system or a HVAC system i(Jacobson 207). Lastly, ventilation can occur through infiltration. The most effective way to improve indoor air quality is by reducing pollutants emissions. For example, if you have a pest problem try to reduce pesticide exposure inside your house (Reducing Pesticide). Once you finish the pesticide properly dispose of it (Reducing Pesticide). Another example, like previously mentioned is adjusting gas stoves pilot lights to decrease the amount of pollution. If you can’t find the exact emission source, then there are test kits for mold, radon, and other pollutants that can help you monitor what’s in your home or