Sci275 R7 Indoor Air Pollution 1 Done

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 (EPA, 2014).
Lung cancer (EPA, 2014)
Unknown (EPA, 2014)
Seal cracks and build vent system (EPA, 2014).
Not applicable (EPA, 2014)
Mold
Natural decay of nature breaking down dead organic matter and reproducing tiny spores that is invisible to the naked eye. Mold must have moisture to grow (EPA, 2014).
Allergen, Mycotoxins, Dermatitis, (EPA, 2014)
Unknown (EPA, 2014)
Reduce humidity, Increase ventilation, Cover cold surfaces, Increase air temperature (EPA, 2014)
Not applicable (EPA, 2014)
Formaldehyde

Flammable gas that has a strong odor. Used in resins, building materials, household products and fertilizers and pesticides (EPA, 2014).
Irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat. High levels may cause some types of cancer (EPA, 2014).
Low (EPA, 2014)
Reduce breathing the air containing formaldehyde such as fumes from burning composite wood. Increase ventilation (EPA, 2014).
Hardwood replacements, Compliant composite woods (EPA, 2014).
Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust (EPA, 2014).
In Children
Behavior and learning problems, Slowed growth, Hearing problems and anemia (EPA, 2014).
Pregnant women reduced growth of the fetus and premature birth (EPA, 2014)
Other adults
Cardiovascular effects, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems (EPA, 2014).
Moderate (EPA, 2014)
Maintain all paint services (EPA, 2014). Address water damage. Keep your home clean and dust-free. Wash children hands, bottles and pacifiers. (EPA, 2014)
Not applicable
(EPA, 2014)
Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil (EPA, 2014).
Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma (EPA, 2014)
Moderate (EPA, 2014)
Deal with asbestos-containing materials. Don’t turn materials into powder substance. Sealing and covering. (EPA, 2014)
Use asbestos free insulation, flooring and other materials (EPA, 2014).
Pesticides

Chemical substances used to destroy or control insect or plant pests (EPA, 2014).
Many different types of pesticides from food safe to not safe health risks depend on which one is being used (EPA, 2014)
Moderate (EPA, 2014)
Take proper steps to avoid insect infestation (EPA, 2014).
Use other means to control bug problems around food (EPA, 2014)
Sodium Hypochlorite

Chemical Compound of sodium cation and hypochlorite anion (EPA, 2014)
Skin, eye damage and very dangerous is mixed in the wrong manner (EPA, 2014)
Low (EPA, 2014)

Proper ventilation, and skin protection (EPA, 2014)
Non bleach cleaners (EPA, 2014)
Phthalates

Additive used to increase flexibility of plastic (EPA, 2014)
Breast Cancer, Endocrine disruption, Prenatal issues (EPA, 2014).
Moderate (EPA, 2014)
Reduce exposure and proper ventilation (EPA, 2014)
Dioctly terephthalate (EPA, 2014).

Synthetic Fragrances
(Petrochemicals, Di-ethyl phthalate, Benzyl butyl phthalate, etc.)
Chemical, colorless chemical (EPA, 2014)

Cancer, Skin issues (EPA, 2014)
Low (EPA, 2014)
Reduce exposure and prevent inhaling. (EPA, 2014)
Using natural materials (EPA, 2014)

Reference

EPA. (2014). An introduction to IAQ. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html