What Is the Definition of Indoor Air Pollution?
Indoor air pollution refers to gas or air particles released into a home, business or school by indoor sources. It can be affected by ventilation, heat and humidity.
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Sources
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Indoor air pollution comes from many diverse sources such as burning kerosene, coal, wood, oil or tobacco. It is also caused by deteriorating asbestos, damp carpeting, personal care products, cleaning products and pesticides.
Types
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Indoor air pollutants can include tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos and lead. Biological contaminants can include mold, mildew, pollen, cat dander and viruses.
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Health Effects
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Health effects vary by the type and amount of pollution, individual sensitivity, age and preexisting medical conditions. They can include immediate problems like eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and cold-like symptoms. Long-term effects can include heart disease, respiratory ailments and cancer.
Prevention
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends three basic strategies for limiting indoor pollution, including controlling sources of pollution, purchasing air cleaners and improving ventilation. Control measures -- adjusting gas stoves to limit emissions, sealing off areas that contain asbestos and limiting smoking to outdoors -- are considered less expensive than buying air cleaners or installing fans to increase ventilation.
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References
- Photo Credit fireplace image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
