Indoor Air pollution
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Indoor air pollution is defined as the degradation of air quality within homes and offices, often posing greater health risks than outdoor pollution. Major sources of indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), combustion byproducts, tobacco smoke, and biological contaminants, leading to various health effects ranging from immediate irritation to long-term diseases. Preventive measures such as improving ventilation, using safer materials, and minimizing smoking indoors can help mitigate these pollution sources.
Indoor Air pollution
- 1. PREPARED BY: JEGAN. S. NADAR
- 2. What is indoor air pollution? Damage or change in quality of air present inside your home or offices is known as INDOOR AIR POLLUTION Many of us spend the greater part of our lives indoor The indoor environment of homes and offices is often more seriously polluted than the outdoor atmosphere. Thus, the risks to health may be greater due to indoor air pollution than the outdoor air. Jegan
- 3. Jegan
- 4. THE MAJOR FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF INDOOR AIR The nature of outdoor air quality around the building. The air exchange rate of the building (ventilation) The materials used in the construction of the building (presence of chemicals). The activities that go on inside the building (cleaning, cooking, heating etc.). Use of household chemicals. Jegan
- 5. Indoor Air and Your Health The pollutants found in indoor air are responsible for many harmful health effects. The effects may show up immediately after a single exposure, and include irritation of eyes, nose and throat, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually of short duration and treatable. Jegan
- 6. Symptoms of some diseases such as asthma, hypersensitivity, pneumonitis and fever may appear soon after exposure to certain indoor air pollutants. Other health problems may appear either years after a single exposure had occurred or on repeated exposures. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart diseases and cancer, can be fatal Jegan
- 8. Most of the radioactivity inside a building is associated with radon, which is emitted from uranium in the soil or rock on which homes are built. Radon is a product of radioactive decay process beginning with uranium-238 and thorium-232. Sometimes radon enters into the home through well water. Being a gas, radon escapes from construction material, penetrates through cracks in buildings and is released into the indoor atmosphere where it may be inhaled Radioactivity Jegan
- 9. There are many aliphatic and aromatic compounds contributing to VOC concentrations, with chloroform, acetone, chlorinated compounds and formaldehyde being predominant in many locations Consumer products used in homes such as latex paints, cleaning agents, household solvents, detergents, waxes and varnishes contribute VOCs to the indoor atmosphere. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Jegan
- 10. Combustion of fuels such as oil, gas, kerosene, etc. inside a building contributes to the concentration of VOCs and it is also a source of stable inorganic gases. Indoor Combustion Jegan
- 11. The common indoor pollutants due to combustion of fuels are particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulphur, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other odour causing chemicals. Proper venting of exhaust gases reduces this problem Jegan
- 12. Tobacco smoke contains a complex mixture of over 4000 compounds, more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer, and as many are strong irritants. Tobacco smoking is a source of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAR), organic bases like nicotine, aldehydes, ketones, organic acids and respirable particulate matter. Tobacco Smoking Jegan
- 13. Smoking inside home is a cause for large amounts of indoor pollutants. Cigarette smoking is another source of formaldehyde. Jegan
- 14. Biological contaminants include pollens, bacteria, mildew, fungal spores, etc. There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originated from plants, and viruses and bacteria are transmitted by people and animals. Biological contaminants cause allergic diseases, pneumonitis, and some types of asthma. By controlling the relative humidity level (30-50 %) in a home, the growth of some of these sources of biological pollutants can be minimized. Biological Contaminants Jegan
- 15. Preventive measures for indoor air pollution in homes, apartments and offices involve eliminating or controlling the sources of pollution, increasing ventilation and installing air-conditioner Carefully choose building and furnishing materials (free from formaldehyde). Ensure effective ventilation in all the areas of the building (good air exchange rate) Preventive Measures Jegan
- 16. Install and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Don't smoke at home or permit others to do so. Use pesticides in recommended amounts with proper dilution. Get air conditioners cleaned regularly. Ensure cleanliness in the entire house especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Get evaporation trays in dehumidifiers, air conditioners and refrigerators cleaned regularly. Jegan
- 17. In gas stoves, a prescient yellow tipped flame is generally an indicator of mal adjustment and increased pollutant emissions. Adjust the burner so that the flame tip is blue. Use high quality plywood in furniture's. Jegan
- 18. Thank You