Indoor Air Pollution Essay

Indoor air pollution exists in various forms, some of the common pollutants ranging from carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide produced by the gas stoves in households, particulate matter to environmental tobacco smokes (ETS) and many more. For the past few years, there is scientific evidence that prove that the air inside our home or building is more polluted than outdoor air. In addition, the long-time exposure to these indoor pollution has increased the risk in health problems in human for example eye, mouth, throat irritation, asthma, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.

Asbestos is one of the common indoor air pollutants that produced by damaged or deteriorating insulation, fireproofing and acoustical materials. When the asbestos is inhaled

The lead will generate reactive oxygen species in body and then deplete the antioxidant reserves. Lead inactivates glutathione which is the antioxidant by binding to the sulfhydryl groups. And further inactivates enzymes such as glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase to depress the glutathione levels. This causes oxidation stress in body and eventually cell death. On the other hand, lead also substitutes cation like Ca2+, Mg2+ and crosses the blood brain barrier. Then, it will accumulate in astroglial cells and damage the cells in nervous system causing brain and nervous damage which particularly in children, cardiovascular effects and growth retardation.

On the other hand, biological agents such as house dust mites, from the pets also causing problems in human health. For example, house dust mites have allergens which are sensitive to the cells of the immune system. House dust mites contain proteins such as Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 5.They produce protease to decrease barrier function of epithelial cell layer and disrupt tight junctions between the cells which then lead to epithelial cell desquamation. In addition, they also facilitate the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 which induce allergic reactions to the