Printed in france who library cataloguinginpublication data who handbook on indoor radon. Radon is a gas, but these decay products are solids that can attach to dust and enter the lungs. Some of the sources and potential health effects of indoor air pollutants. Oecd glossary of statistical terms indoor air pollution. Integration of radon in indoor air quality programs. To minimize health risks, choose lowvoc paint and keep the windows open while painting and for several days. Radon, bioaerosols, and vocs covers the most current aspects of indoor pollution research, including vitally important topics such as radon, bioaerosols, and volatile organic compounds. Indoor air pollution is when pollutants contaminate air indoors and is a very dangerous problem, claiming more than 2 million lives each year.
Who handbook on indoor radon world health organization. Concise summary of the evidence for health effects of exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuel use in children and adults. In indoor locations, such as homes, schools, or office buildings, levels of radon and daughters are generally higher than outdoor levels 2. Status of indoor air pollution in india the principal sources of indoor air pollution are. Often, it is difficult to determine which pollutant or pollutants are the sources of a persons ill health, with some symptoms not showing up until years later. Effects of indoor air pollution on human health inive.
Levels of indoor air pollution thus depend on a range of internal and external factors. Its purpose is to deliver highquality research and practical guidance to help the industry meet its considerable challenges. Air pollution occurs when gases, dust particles, fumes or smoke or odour are introduced into the atmosphere in a way that makes it harmful to humans, animals and plant. Indoorairqualityin commercialandinstitutional buildings occupationalsafetyandhealthadministration u. Environmental protection agency, office of air and radiation. Indoor air pollution an overview sciencedirect topics. There are many sources of indoor air pollutants such as tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide co, and radon. Number of deaths from indoor air pollution annual number of premature deaths attributed to illness as a result of indoor air pollution from the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating. The average illinois indoor air radon concentration is 5.
Indoor air quality washington state department of health. We work, study, eat, drink and sleep in enclosed environments where air circulation may be restricted. We say indoor air pollution if indoor air is contaminated by smoke, chemicals, smells or particles. Fuel types, traditional cooking stoves and air pollution levels. Radon moves more rapidly through permeable soils, such as coarse sand and gravel. Status of indoor air pollution in india indoor air pollution is bigger killer than outdoor air pollution in india with the recent global burden of diseases report listing the former as second biggest killer and later as fifth largest. The range and distribution of indoor radon levels in many countries have been determined both by national surveys and in other investigations. Indoor air pollution has a wide range of negative health impacts, which can lead to morbidity but also in many cases, mortality. For each of these groups, effects associated with indoor air pollution iap, the principle agents and sources, evidence linking iap to the effects, susceptible groups. A very rough rule of thumb for estimating the contribution of radon in domestic water supplies is that house water with 10 000 bqm 3 radon contributes about 1 bqm 3 to the level of radon in the indoor air.
Indoor air pollution can come from many places, including open fires and heaters, building. This report summarizes and discusses the actual state of knowledge on sources of radon in indoor air, typical concentrations, health effects and radon risk estimates. Departmentoflabor osha343004 2011 the guidance is advisory in. It can enter indoors through cracks and openings in floors and walls that are in contact with the ground. Radon is a natural radioactive gas released from the earth, and it can be found concentrated in basements in some parts of the united states. Radon is a major source of indoor air pollution and is the cause of tens of thousands of deaths annually in the united states and europe. Additionally, the effects of lead, as well as carcinogenic effects of asbestos, radon, and smoking habits are described. Some indoor pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, can be fatal. We conclude with a discussion on what is known regarding the effectiveness of popular strategies to combat indoor air pollution in developing countries. The book presents information on microbial contamination abatement, chemical. Human beings love tests, and to satisfy that craving, indoor air pollution meters on the market claim to measure the levels of pollutants in your home. Report to congress on indoor air quality, volume ii.
Daily variations of indoor air ion and radon concentrations p. This book presents who guidelines for the protection of public health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. While not a health based standard, this level is a guideline for people to use in. Indoor air pollution has occurred since prehistoric times when people moved to live indoors and fire was brought into closed shelters for cooking and space heating 1. Some radon atoms remain trapped in the soil and decay to form lead other atoms escape quickly into the air.
But improving indoor air quality isnt just about keeping contaminants out of your indoor air, its also about maintaining a healthy air flow and getting toxins out when need be. Jun 05, 2015 identify possible sources of indoor air pollution. Explain the health consequences of indoor air pollution conduct an indoor air quality check on their home describe indoor air quality control measures background most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but many do not know that indoor air pollution can also have signifiwhy study indoor air pollution. In some cases, indoor air pollutants may even be 100 times higher than outdoors. The table features summary data from the world health organization who on the extent of proven links between indoor air pollution and potential health outcomes. Improving your indoor air quality british lung foundation. Particulate matter is associated with a variety of serious health effects, including lung disease, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Environmental protection agency usepa has set a radon in air action level of 4. In addition to lung cancer, indoor air pollution can cause other respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and emphysema 1. Everyone knows the radon value of their indoor living area. In this article, well answer these three questions. Tobacco smoke, cooking and heating appliances, and vapors from building materials, paints, furniture, etc. Pdf indoor air pollution is ubiquitous, and takes many forms.
Because of the large variety of distinct indoor environmentssingle and multifamily residences, offices, hospitals, restaurants, schools, recreational facilities, transportation facilities, etc. Mar 09, 2018 is the indoor air you breathe healthy. The objectives of the indoor air pollution and health iapah research project were to quantify the levels of indoor air pollution iap in irish and scottish homes from indoor combustion sources, and to provide an estimate of the potential health burden, i. The causes of indoor air pollution comfy home corner. Indoor air pollution can come from many places, including open fires and heaters, building materials and furniture, cleaning products and cooling systems, and air pollution that comes in from outdoors if you would like to know more about outdoor air pollution, please read our factsheet at. In general, children are especially sensitive to air pollution because they breathe 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than adults. Daily variations of indoor airion and radon concentrations. You can see the estimated radon risk for each county on this interactive map. Indoor air pollution is the term used to describe exposure to certain substances found in homes, schools, transport and subway stations. Approximately one in two homes tested in illinois 45 percent of homes have radon at or above the epa action level of 4 pcil. Over the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air. Indoor air pollution is a concern in the developed countries, where energy efficiency improvements sometimes make houses relatively airtight, reducing. Number of deaths from indoor air pollution our world in data.
For these reasons, some experts feel that more people suffer from the effects of indoor air pollution than outdoor pollution. Environmental protection agency sets and enforces air quality standards only for ambient air. Radon can move through crack in rocks and through pore spaces in soils. Summary and conclusions indoor pollutants ncbi bookshelf.
Testing is the only way to know your level of exposure. Indoor air pollution may arise from the use of open fires, unsafe fuels or combustion of. Indoor radon exposure, which is the secondleading cause of lung cancer, was rated the numberone environmental health risk. Lung cancer in europe, radon in the home test for radon levels. Concerns about potential public health problems due to indoor air pollution are based on evidence that urban residents typically spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor air pollution indoor air is air within a building such as your home, classroom, office, shopping center, hospital or gym.
Pdf causes, consequences and control of air pollution. Radon is classified by the international agency for research on cancer as a hu. Over 900 different compounds have been detected in indoor air and some pollutants may be 25 times more concentrated inside rather than outside buildings. The effects of indoor air pollution on building occupants are varied, but can include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, respiratory illness, headaches, dizziness and fatigue epa 2008. Indoorairqualityin commercialand institutionalbuildings. The term indoor air pollution may seem a little vague at first, but once you understand what it actually includes you may be very surprised. Integration of radon in the battle against lung cancer longterm dream. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. May 27, 20 indoor air pollution is the degradation of indoor air quality by harmful chemicals and other materials.
Thus, for some people the health risks may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors. Unlike outdoor air pollution, the effect of indoor air pollution is health related and less of an environmental issue. Today, indoor air pollution caused by burning of traditional solid fuels such as woodfuel, agricultural residues, and dried animal dung in unvented cookstoves in rural areas of developing countries is not much different. Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas that is produced from the radioactive decay of uranium to stable lead. Apr 22, 2016 indoor air can be deadlier than outdoor air, research shows.
Radon gas in air or in water is measured in picocuries per liter pcil. Indoor air pollution can pose a serious health threat. Although official efforts to control air pollution have traditionally focused on outdoor air, it is now apparent that elevated contaminant concentrations are common inside some private and public buildings. Indoor air pollution can be caused by tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, or nitrogen oxides from unvented or faulty gas appliances, particles from woodburning stoves, fireplaces and aerosol sprays, and biological agents, such as pet dander, dust, and mold. The national aeronautics space administration nasa identified indoor air pollution problems associated. Radon222, an odourless, colourless, and tasteless noble gas, is an isotope. One of these is terressentials home air quality test kit, which tests for the presence of mold, fungus, bacteria, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Many indoor air pollutants cannot be detected by our senses, and the symptoms they produce can be vague. However, background levels of radon in outdoor air are generally quite low, about 0. It refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of air in the indoor environment within a home, building, or an institution or commercial facility. Choosing natural, lowtoxin options that have as little scent as possible is therefore important for air pollution prevention. Epa studies indicate that the levels of many air pollutants may be two to five times higher in indoor air than outdoor air. The health effects of indoor air pollution exposure in developing countries.
Since then, substantial changes have taken place in our understanding of the public health significance of indoor radon. Since then, considerable new information has become available. Sources and health impacts pollutants from natural sources pollutant major sources in the home possible health impacts radon colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that comes from the radioactive decay of uranium or radium. Indoor air quality refers to the presence or absence of. Emphasis was made on the health impact of radon where it was identified as a significant contributor to lung cancer through its progenies and ranking only second to tobacco. Indoor air can be deadlier than outdoor air, research shows. Smithd air pollution in general and indoor air pollution in particular have been associated in many peoples mind with industrialization and urbanization and, thus, with.
Effects of indoor air pollution on human health prepared by working group 4 birgitta berglund, department of psychology, university of stockholm, sweden. In no event shall the world health organization be liable for damages arising from its use. Indoor air pollution, health and economic wellbeing. Indoor air pollution is ubiquitous, and takes many forms, ranging from smoke. This activity demonstrates how visible and invisible pollutants can spread through the.
Envirotecs indoor air quality guide for londonbased offices, restaurants and shops. Radon decays to form daughters, or decay products, which include radioactive polonium, lead, and bismuth. This is because contained areas enable potential pollutants to build up more than open spaces. According to the world health organization, 40% of all buildings pose a serious health hazard due to indoor air pollutants. Assessment and control of indoor air pollution, pp. Indoor air pollution and the lungs european lung foundation. Indoor air is air within a building such as your home, classroom, office, shopping center, hospital or gym. Here is all our research and data on indoor air pollution. Journal of environmental and t oxicological studies. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study. Indoor air pollution is the term used to describe the amount of contaminants in the air inside a building from sources such as cigarette smoking, fuel combustion for heating or cooking, certain wallboards, carpets, or insulation as well as the geology of the area radon in soil or rocks beneath the structure. We say indoor air pollution if indoor air is contaminated by smoke, chemicals, smells or particles unlike outdoor air pollution, the effect of indoor air pollution is health related and less of an environmental issue.
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