Indoor Air Pollution
Associate Level Material
Indoor Air Pollution
Resources: Chapter 19 of Environmental Science and the EPA web site, “Introduction to Air Quality”. Retrieved from, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html
Complete the following chart:
Pollutant
Sources
Health effects
Is Your Risk Level Acceptable?
Solutions
Sustainable Replacements, when appropriate
Radon
Natural decay of uranium found in almost all soils.
Radon leaks into homes through walls, floors, and water.
Lung cancer unknown Seal cracks and build vent system.
Not applicable
Mold
Can form anywhere and on anything. Warm and humid conditions are a factor.
Lung disease, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation unknown Control humidity levels and ventilation
Not applicable
Formaldehyde
New furniture, particleboard, plywood, chipboard, and wood paneling
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; nasal cancer and lung cancer unknown Reduce humidity levels and increase ventilation
Use exterior grade pressed wood products
Lead
Lead-based paint, contaminated soil, dust, and drinking water
Convulsions, coma, death, delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention spans, and increased behavioral problems yes Keep environment dust free, balanced diet rich in calcium and iron
Avoid the use of lead based paint
Asbestos
Construction materials, manufactured goods
Lung disease, mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer unknown Use protective masks or other equipment when doing construction work
Not applicable
Pesticides
Products used to kill household pests
Damage to central nervous system, cancer yes Avoid the use of them entirely
Not applicable
Sodium Hypochlorite
Bleach
Pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma yes Avoid swallowing and body contact
Chlorine tablets
Phthalates
Plasticizers
Unknown
yes
Not applicable
Not applicable
Synthetic Fragrances
(Petrochemicals, Di-ethyl phthalate, Benzyl butyl phthalate, etc.)
Perfumes, colognes, cosmetics
Allergic
Indoor Air Pollution
Resources: Chapter 19 of Environmental Science and the EPA web site, “Introduction to Air Quality”. Retrieved from, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html
Complete the following chart:
Pollutant
Sources
Health effects
Is Your Risk Level Acceptable?
Solutions
Sustainable Replacements, when appropriate
Radon
Natural decay of uranium found in almost all soils.
Radon leaks into homes through walls, floors, and water.
Lung cancer unknown Seal cracks and build vent system.
Not applicable
Mold
Can form anywhere and on anything. Warm and humid conditions are a factor.
Lung disease, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation unknown Control humidity levels and ventilation
Not applicable
Formaldehyde
New furniture, particleboard, plywood, chipboard, and wood paneling
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; nasal cancer and lung cancer unknown Reduce humidity levels and increase ventilation
Use exterior grade pressed wood products
Lead
Lead-based paint, contaminated soil, dust, and drinking water
Convulsions, coma, death, delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention spans, and increased behavioral problems yes Keep environment dust free, balanced diet rich in calcium and iron
Avoid the use of lead based paint
Asbestos
Construction materials, manufactured goods
Lung disease, mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer unknown Use protective masks or other equipment when doing construction work
Not applicable
Pesticides
Products used to kill household pests
Damage to central nervous system, cancer yes Avoid the use of them entirely
Not applicable
Sodium Hypochlorite
Bleach
Pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma yes Avoid swallowing and body contact
Chlorine tablets
Phthalates
Plasticizers
Unknown
yes
Not applicable
Not applicable
Synthetic Fragrances
(Petrochemicals, Di-ethyl phthalate, Benzyl butyl phthalate, etc.)
Perfumes, colognes, cosmetics
Allergic