CHAPTER 17CHAPTER 17

Section 17-5; Indoor Section 17-5; Indoor Air PollutionAir Pollution

OBJECTIVE:OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate the types and effects of indoor Evaluate the types and effects of indoor air pollution.air pollution.

What Do You Think?What Do You Think? What is the most dangerous What is the most dangerous indoorindoor air air

pollutant?pollutant?

INDOOR AIR POLLUTIONINDOOR AIR POLLUTION Indoor air pollution usually is a greater Indoor air pollution usually is a greater

threat to human health than outdoor air threat to human health than outdoor air pollution.pollution.

Four most dangerous Four most dangerous indoor air pollutants indoor air pollutants (developed):(developed): Tobacco smokeTobacco smoke FormaldehydeFormaldehyde RadonRadon Fine and ultrafine particlesFine and ultrafine particles

WHY?WHY? More time insideMore time inside Reduced air exchangeReduced air exchange Pollutants concentratedPollutants concentrated ““Sick Building Syndrome”Sick Building Syndrome”

Chloroform

Benzo--pyrene

Styrene

Radon-222

Methylene Chloride

Tobacco Smoke

Carbon Monoxide

Asbestos

Nitrogen Oxides

1, 1, 1-Trichloroethane

Particulates

FormaldehydeTetrachloroethylene

Para-dichlorobenzene

Fig. 17-17, p. 434

RADIOACTIVE RADON-222RADIOACTIVE RADON-222

Seep into homesSeep into homes Increase the risk Increase the risk

of lung cancerof lung cancer Smoking linkSmoking link TestTest MitigationMitigation

ASBESTOSASBESTOS

Fibrous mineralFibrous mineral Crumbles into Crumbles into

dustdust Asbestosis, lung Asbestosis, lung

cancer, cancer, mesotheliomamesothelioma

Smoking linkSmoking link

Fig. 19-20, p. 461

Solutions

Indoor Air Pollution

Prevention

Cover ceiling tiles & lining of AC ducts to prevent release of mineral fibers

Use adjustable fresh air vents for work spaces

Increase intake of outside airBan smoking or limit it to well ventilated areas

Change air more frequently

Set stricter formaldehyde emissions standards for carpet, furniture, and building materials

Circulate a building’s air through rooftop green houses

Prevent radon infiltration Use exhaust hoods for stoves and appliances burning natural gasUse office machines in well

ventilated areas

Use less polluting substitutes for harmful cleaning agents, paints, and other products

Install efficient chimneys for wood-burning stoves

Cleanup or Dilution

Fig. 19-21, p. 461

What Can You Do?

Indoor Air Pollution

• Test for radon and formaldehyde inside your home and take corrective measures as needed.

• Do not buy furniture and other products containing formaldehyde.

• Remove your shoes before entering your house to reduce inputs of dust, lead, and pesticides.

• Test your house or workplace for asbestos fiber levels and for any crumbling asbestos materials if it was built before 1980.

• Don't live in a pre-1980 house without having its indoor air tested for asbestos and lead.

• Do not store gasoline, solvents, or other volatile hazardous chemicals inside a home or attached garage.

• If you smoke, do it outside or in a closed room vented to the outside.

• Make sure that wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene- and gas-burning heaters are properly installed, vented, and maintained.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.

What Do You Think?What Do You Think? What are three of the most dangerous What are three of the most dangerous

indoor air pollutants?indoor air pollutants?

What are two ways to reduce indoor air What are two ways to reduce indoor air pollution?pollution?

OBJECTIVE:OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate the types and effects of indoor Evaluate the types and effects of indoor air pollution.air pollution.