How does indoor air pollution differ from outdoor air pollution, and what are the common indoor pollutants?
Indoor air pollution refers to the presence of harmful pollutants indoors that can have adverse effects on human health. It differs from outdoor air pollution in terms of the types and sources of pollutants, as well as their concentrations. Common indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, asbestos, particulate matter, radon, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, and biological contaminants like mold and pollen.
Long answer
Indoor air pollution signifies the contamination of the air inside buildings or enclosed spaces by various chemical, physical, and biological pollutants that can pose health risks to occupants. Compared to outdoor air pollution which involves a complex mix of pollutants from industries, vehicles, and other sources, indoor air pollution is influenced by building materials, furnishings, products used indoors, human activities such as smoking or cooking, ventilation systems efficiency and maintenance.
Common indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are emitted from paints, cleaning supplies, solvents, pesticides and some synthetic materials; formaldehyde released by pressed-wood products like cabinets or furniture; asbestos found in insulation materials; particulate matter (PM) originating from tobacco smoke, cooking fumes or dust particles; radon gas seeping through the ground into buildings; carbon monoxide released from malfunctioning fuel-burning devices like furnaces or stoves; tobacco smoke containing numerous harmful chemicals.
Additionally, biological contaminants such as mold spores and pollen can be present due to excessive moisture within buildings. These pollutants can trigger allergies or irritations in sensitive individuals while also contributing to respiratory problems and long-term health issues if exposure is prolonged.
The concentrations of these indoor pollutants can significantly vary depending on factors like ventilation rates or practices adopted indoors affecting fresh air exchange with the outside environment. Proper maintenance of HVAC systems with filter replacement helps reduce pollutant levels considerably. Adequate monitoring equipment coupled with awareness about potential sources enables identification and mitigation strategies for specific indoor pollutants thus maintaining healthier indoor air quality.