In support of this observation, the world health organization estimates that every year, 2. Just like outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution can pose a risk to health. Its effects can range from higher disease risks to rising temperatures. The objectives of the indoor air pollution and health iapah research project were to quantify the levels of indoor air pollution iap in irish and scottish homes from indoor combustion sources, and to provide an estimate of the potential health burden, i. In the short term, exposure to high concentrations of indoor air pollution can cause eye irritation, headaches, nose and throat irritation, fatigue, and dizziness.
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Preventive measures, such as identification of a source of chemical, physical, or biological pollutants that may have deleterious health effects, and. Reduces risk from air emissions due to systemwide pollution prevention measures. The administrator shall encourage cooperative activities by the states and local governments for the prevention and control of air pollution. Targeting indoor air pollution epas approach and progress. Indoor air pollution and health environmental protection agency. So not only is removing your shoes at the front door a simple technique for polluted indoor air prevention, you will also notice a marked improvement in the general cleanliness of the home. A lem is a material which, when used in the same manner and in the same space as an alternative material, has reduced emissions. Indoor air pollution can cause serious health problems and can impact individuals with chronic. I prevention, control, and abatement of air, water, and other pollution 3 concerning federal facilities, administered lands, and activities 1 purpose 3 2 scope 3 3 authorities 3 4 objectives 5 5 policy 6 6 definitions 7 7 responsibilities 7 8 compliance with other environmental statutes 18. Give a try to strategically placed fans and open windows at night to cool down your room. Indoor air pollution found throughout the issues and. Indoor air pollution issues and prevention indoor air pollution can be a problem throughout the year, but it is often more pronounced during the winter months because homes are more closed off to outside ventilation a higher percentage of the time.
The resulting indoor air pollution iap is a major threat to health, particularly for women and young children, who may spend many hours close to the fire. Air pollution is becoming a major health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. New technologies can reduce indoor air pollution, and additional research is needed to demonstrate the health benefits of these interventions. Air quality air quality resources for professionals cdc. When it comes to overall health, the quality of the air you are breathing is something to really consider. Outdoor air pollution involves exposures that take place outside of the built environment.
Sometimes the symptoms resemble asthma, while others resemble cold symptoms. Indoor air pollutants are increasingly being associated with respiratory illnesses. A few of these concepts and techniques are discussed below. Indoor air pollution indoor air is air within a building such as your home, classroom, office, shopping center, hospital or gym. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. Software that describes how to locate and reduce mercury pollution throughout the healthcare system. In some cases, indoor air pollutants may even be 100 times higher than outdoors. Prevention is another key to controlling air pollution. Indoor air pollution has occurred since prehistoric times when people moved to live indoors and fire was brought into closed shelters for cooking and space heating 1. We say indoor air pollution if indoor air is contaminated by smoke, chemicals, smells or particles unlike outdoor air pollution, the effect of indoor air pollution is health related and less of an environmental issue. The illeffects of indoor air pollution result in about 2 million premature deaths per year, wherein 44% are due to pneumonia, 54% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease copd, and 2% from lung cancer. Children and the elderly are often the most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Large evidence indicates that indoor air pollution in india is responsible for a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Environmental protection agency, office of air and radiation.
Air pollution is a major problem that can affect everyone. The reduction in emissions must be attributable to a pollution prevention intervention such as a. Today, indoor air pollution caused by burning of traditional solid fuels such as woodfuel, agricultural residues, and dried animal dung in unvented cookstoves in rural areas of developing countries is not much different. Dust prevention and control manual fort collins, colorado. As we spend much time in our homes, it is important that the air is as clean as possible. Design standards can be applied to safety prevention of burns, gas leaks, and explosions. When there is smoke in the air from wood stoves, fireplaces, burning vegetation, or forest fires. Environmental protection agency sets and enforces air quality standards only for ambient air. Indoor air pollution can pose a serious health threat. Indoor air pollution from solid fuel use and urban outdoor air pollution are estimated to be.
There are virtually no epidemiological studies from india assessing the level of awareness of indoor air pollution leading. Poor awareness and knowledge about indoor air pollution in. These toolkits can help you communicate with consumers about public health issues related to air pollution. Furthermore, the reliance on solid fuels and inefficient stoves has other, farreaching consequences for health, the environment, and. As well, mechanical devices, such as fans, are able to move air around when they are being used. Air pollution is a mix of particles and gases that can reach harmful concentrations both outside and indoors. Indoor air pollution increases the risk of pneumonia. When most people think of air pollution, they picture crowded highways or plumes of smoke puffing out of factory towers. Dust, also known as particulate matter, is made up of solid particles in the air that consist primarily of dirt and soil but can also contain ash, soot, salts, pollen, heavy metals, asbestos, pesticides, and other materials.
Near busy roads, in urban areas especially during rush hour, and in industrial areas. The goal of air cleaning is to remove indoor pollutants by trapping them inside a mechanical device. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. Assessment and control of indoor air pollution, pp. Additionally, indoor air pollution is typically much worse than outdoor air quality unless you take steps to filter it properly. Pollution prevention environmental impact reduction. The most affected groups are women and younger children, as they spend maximum time at home. Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full and if possible at night. Air pollution, facts and information national geographic. Strategies to reduce rates of low birth weight and malnutrition will prevent pneumonia and should be encouraged. Indoor air pollution prevention practices for the home. Many indoor air pollutants cannot be detected by our senses, and the symptoms they produce can be vague. Air pollution is a mixture of natural and manmade substances in the air we breathe. Because people with copd spend much of their time indoors, it is extremely important to take steps to improve your indoor air quality.
Indoor air pollution may arise from the use of open fires, unsafe fuels or combustion of biomass fuels, coal and kerosene. Indoor air pollution effects your health in more ways than you know. Indoor air pollution prevention can be as simple as kicking off your shoes. Detailed material on equipment selection, sizing, and troubleshooting operations is provided along with practical design methodology. Pdf indoor air pollution has occurred since prehistoric times when people moved to live indoors and fire. Keep your home safe by following good indoor air management practices. Use air conditioners in the summer only when absolutely necessary.
Get rid of dust mites by washing linens frequently, keeping pets off furniture and keeping your homes humidity level below 50 percent. Gas stoves or badly installed woodburning units with. Indoor air pollution fact sheet household products. Indoor air hospitals improving air quality in your. But the air you breathe at home may be dirtier than the notsogreat outdoors. When natural ventilation, such as open windows and opened doors, lets air in and out, it will affect interior air pollution levels, as well as indoor temperature. The regulatory agencies mentioned above play an essential role in reducing and preventing air pollution in the environment.
Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize air pollution in your home, car or at work, dr. Particle pollution levels can be high any time of year. Environmental pollution united states department of. Time associated with working with hospitals to implement systemwide pollution prevention measures. Air pollution has multiple sources, including natural as well as manmade sources. Studies have found that higher levels of outdoor air pollution are linked to a number of health effects, including. Indoor air quality is influenced by concentrations of outdoor air pollutants, indoor sources of pollution, characteristics of the building and the habits of the residents. Keeping pollutants and contaminants out of your home before they start causing health problems for you and your family is much simpler and less costly than coping with illness after the fact. Avoid smoking indoors but quitting smoking is the best answer for.
The pollution prevention act ppa, signed by president george bush on november 5, 1990, established a national policy, known as the waste management hierarchy, that stated. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of air pollution, their effects, and possible ways to control them. Sources and health impacts pollutants from natural sources pollutant major sources in the home possible health impacts radon colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that comes from the radioactive decay of uranium or radium. Air conditioners need much more power than fans do. Global action plan for prevention and control of pneumonia. Pollutants can cause a wide range of shortterm and longterm health problems. Chapter 18 indoor air pollution from household use of. A tool kit pdf icon pdf 3 mb you can also share this podcast with tips for avoiding the harmful health effects of poor air quality.
Epa studies indicate that the levels of many air pollutants may be two to five times higher in indoor air than outdoor air. Report to congress on indoor air quality, volume ii. Air pollution is an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air. Heart disease, stroke, and outdoor air pollution, epa456. The handbook of air pollution prevention and control provides a concise overview of the latest technologies for managing industrial air pollution in petrochemical, oil and gas, and allied industries. In general, pollution levels are highest closest to the source of emission.
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