According to PubMed studies, indoor air pollution (IAP) is a serious threat to human health, causing millions of deaths each year. A plethora of pollutants can result in IAP; therefore, it is very important to identify their main sources and concentrations and to devise strategies for the control and enhancement of indoor air quality (IAQ).
Indoor environment conditions contribute greatly to human wellbeing, as most people spend around 90% of their time indoors, mainly at home or in the workplace. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution (IAP) is responsible for the deaths of 3.8 million people annually. IAP can be generated inside homes or buildings through occupants' activities, such as cooking, smoking, use of electronic machines, use of consumer products, or emission from building materials. Harmful pollutants inside buildings include carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), aerosol, biological pollutants, and others.
According to the EPA's definition, IAQ is the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. IAP, meanwhile, refers to the existence of pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), inorganic compounds, physical chemicals, and biological factors, all of which are at high concentrations in the indoor air of non-industrial buildings, and all of which can have negative impacts on the human body.
Below is a list of common pollutants along with the associated health impact.
Pollutant
Outdoor environment, cooking, combustion activities (burning of candles, use of fireplaces, heaters, stoves, fireplaces and chimneys, cigarette smoking), cleaning activities.
Health Impact
Premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, increased respiratory symptoms.
Pollutant
Paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, adhesives, wood preservatives, waxes, polishes, cleansers, lubricants, sealants, dyes, air fresheners, fuels, plastics, copy machines, printers, tobacco products, perfumes, dry-cleaned clothing, building materials and furnishings.
Health Impact
Eye, nose and throat irritation. Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea. Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system, Some organics can cause cancer.
Pollutant
Gas-fuelled cooking and heating appliances.
Health Impact
Enhanced asthmatic reactions. Respiratory damage leading to respiratory symptoms.
Pollutant
Outdoor sources, photocopying, air purifying, disinfecting devices.
Health Impact
DNA damage, lung damage, asthma, decreased respiratory functions.
Pollutant
Cooking stoves; fireplaces; outdoor air.
Health Impact
Impairment of respiratory function. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases.
Pollutant
Cooking stoves; tobacco smoking; fireplaces; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; outdoor air.
Health Impact
Fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision, reduced brain function.
Pollutant
Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr, As, Ni, Hg, Mn, Fe. Outdoor sources, fuel-consumption products, incense burning, smoking and building materials.
Health Impact
Cancers, brain damage. Mutagenic and carcinogenic effects: respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular deaths.
Pollutant
Tobacco smoke, building materials, consumer products, incense burning, cleaning and cooking.
Health Impact
Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, allergies, lung cancer, irritation and discomfort.
Pollutant
Soil gas, building materials, and tap water. Outdoor air.
Health Impact
Lung cancer.
Pollutant
Termiticides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants and herbicides. Building materials: carpet, textiles, and cushioned furniture. Outdoor environment.
Health Impact
Irritation to eye, nose and throat; Damage to central nervous system and kidney; Increased risk of cancer.
Pollutant
House dust, pets, cockroaches, mould/dampness, pollens originating from animals, insects, mites, and plants.
Health Impact
Asthma and allergies. Respiratory infections, sensitization, respiratory allergic diseases and wheezing.
Pollutant
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are carried by people, animals, and soil and plants.
Health Impact
Fever, digestive problems, infectious diseases, chronic respiratory illness.
The design and operation of ventilation systems have a significant influence on IAQ. Due to superseding the stale indoor air by the fresh outdoor air, ventilation creates suitable IAQ and a healthy indoor environment. There are several benefits for the operation of ventilation in a building, including: (i) Providing oxygen and fresh air for human respiration; (ii) diluting indoor air pollutants to reach the short-term exposure limits of harmful contaminants as well as odours and vapours; (iii) using outdoor air with a low aerosol concentration to control aerosols inside buildings; (iv) controlling internal humidity; and (v) creating proper air distribution and promoting healthy and comfortable environment. Ventilation systems can be classified into two types, including: (i) Mechanical ventilation systems that use mechanical equipment, such as fans or blowers; and (ii) natural ventilation systems, which are the exchange processes between indoor air and out indoor without using mechanical equipment.
At 4 Seasons Heating, Cooling & Electrical we are clean air experts. We can supply the equipment to ensure your home is getting the best, most comfortable and safe air possible. To book a free in-home consultation, call us 24/7 at (204) 953-5700.
