Top Sources of Indoor Air Pollution At Home And Effects

Discover the major sources of indoor air pollution lurking in your home, from asbestos and pet dander to radon and smoke. This guide explains how these pollutants affect respiratory health, aggravate allergies, and increase risks for serious illnesses. Learn effective ways to improve indoor air quality and protect your well-being. 

Transcript

1. This slide provides an overview of the importance of maintaining high- quality indoor air and the strategies for improving it, setting the stage for the rest of the presentation. Breathing Easy: Improving Indoor Air Quality for Healthier Living
2. Maintaining proper indoor air quality is crucial for the health and well-being of building occupants, as exposure to indoor pollutants can lead to various health issues. Discover more at https://filterbuy.com/resources/health- and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home- and-its-effects/ Importance of Good IAQ
3. Sources of Indoor Air Pollution ASBESTOS Found in insulation, floor tiles, and textured paints in older homes. Undisturbed asbestos is not dangerous, but renovations or damage can release harmful fibers into the air, potentially leading to serious health issues like lung cancer or mesothelioma. BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS Pet dander, dust mites, mold, and viruses that can come from pets, plants, or the air conditioning system. These can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, making it crucial to keep the home clean and the air system well-maintained. BUILDING MATERIALS Many materials used in home construction and decoration, such as pressed wood products, can emit chemicals like formaldehyde. These emissions can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure might increase the risk of more severe health problems. SECONDHAND SMOKE Also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), secondhand smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are harmful or even cancer- causing. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke, which can lead to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. COMBUSTION APPLIANCES Appliances like wood stoves, gas ranges, and unvented space heaters can release dangerous pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the home. These gases can cause a range of health problems, especially if the appliances aren't properly maintained or vented. RADON A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into the home through cracks in floors and walls. It's invisible and odorless, but prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing the home for radon is an important step in ensuring a safe living environment. ©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved. 3
4. Strategies for Improving Indoor Air Quality HIGH-QUALITY AIR FILTRATION SYSTEMS Invest in HEPA filters that can effectively remove airborne particles like mold spores, pet dander, and other pollutants. HOUSEPLANTS Use indoor plants like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies to filter pollutants and emit oxygen. HUMIDITY CONTROL Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent mold growth and reduce biological contaminants. LOW-EMISSION PRODUCTS Choose low or no-VOC paints, coatings, and cleaning supplies to reduce the release of harmful chemicals. BY IMPLEMENTING THESE STRATEGIES, YOU CAN CREATE A HEALTHIER INDOOR ENVIRONMENT, REDUCE HEALTH RISKS, AND INCREASE COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY LEVELS.
5. Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA Exposure to indoor air pollutants can trigger allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks, leading to respiratory distress and discomfort. RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS Poor indoor air quality can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections like colds, flu, and pneumonia, affecting overall health. HEADACHES, DIZZINESS, AND FATIGUE Exposure to various indoor air pollutants can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, negatively impacting productivity and quality of life. SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS Long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants can increase the risk of developing severe medical conditions, such as lung cancer and heart disease. BY ADDRESSING INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES, WE CAN CREATE HEALTHIER LIVING ENVIRONMENTS AND REDUCE THE NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS ON BUILDING OCCUPANTS.
6. IAQ Regulations and Guidelines EPA GUIDELINES The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets guidelines for indoor air pollutants, including limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and other contaminants. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT Regulatory bodies enforce compliance with IAQ standards through building inspections, air quality testing, and penalties for non- compliance to ensure healthier indoor environments. WHO STANDARDS The World Health Organization (WHO) provides indoor air quality standards and recommendations to help protect public health, covering a wide range of pollutants and their acceptable exposure levels. GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES Organizations like the EPA and WHO provide guidance and resources to help businesses and building owners assess and improve their indoor air quality to protect occupant health. ASBESTOS REGULATIONS The EPA and other agencies have strict regulations around the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos, a hazardous material commonly found in older buildings. ©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved. 6
7. Percentage increase in health risks from common indoor air pollutants Health Impacts of Poor IAQ 75% PARTICULATE MATTER (PM2.5) 50% RADON 45% CARBON MONOXIDE 80% MOLD AND BACTERIA 60% VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) ©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved. 7