The term "indoor air quality" pertains to the air quality within residences, schools, workplaces, and various built environments. The potential ramifications of indoor air quality on human health are substantial for several compelling reasons:
On average, people in the United States spend around 90% of their time indoors, where certain pollutants' concentrations can be 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor levels.
Vulnerable groups, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, tend to spend even more time indoors.
Recent decades have witnessed an increase in indoor pollutant levels due to factors like energy-efficient building designs (which sometimes lack proper ventilation) and the escalated use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners.
Pollutants and Their Origins
Key pollutants of concern encompass:
- Emissions from combustion processes like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and secondhand smoke.
- Natural substances like radon, pet dander, and mold.
- Biological agents such as various molds.
- Hazardous materials like pesticides, lead, and asbestos.
- Ozone from certain air purification systems.
- An array of volatile organic compounds released by numerous products and materials.
- The majority of indoor air pollutants originate from sources within buildings, although some can infiltrate from outdoors.
- Indoor Sources: These stem from within the building environment itself.
- Combustion sources like tobacco, wood-burning appliances, and fireplaces can release harmful byproducts directly into indoor air, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
- Commonly used products such as cleaning supplies, paints, and insecticides introduce various chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, directly into the indoor environment.
- Building materials also contribute, either through the degradation of materials (e.g., asbestos fibers released from insulation) or via the off-gassing of new materials (e.g., chemical emissions from pressed wood products). Additionally, natural sources like radon, mold, and pet dander influence indoor air quality.
- Outdoor Sources: External air pollutants can infiltrate buildings through open windows, doors, ventilation systems, and structural gaps. For instance, smoke from chimneys can re-enter homes, polluting the indoor air. Radon, originating from decaying uranium in soil, can enter buildings through cracks. In regions with contaminated groundwater or soil, volatile chemicals can infiltrate through similar processes. Volatile chemicals in water supplies can also enter indoor air when occupants use water. Furthermore, people inadvertently bring outdoor particles indoors on their shoes and clothing, along with attached pollutants.
Other Contributing Factors
Several factors beyond pollutants themselves influence indoor air quality, including the rate of air exchange, outdoor climate, weather conditions, and occupant behavior.
Air exchange with the outdoors significantly impacts indoor pollutant concentrations. It's influenced by building design, construction, and operating parameters, encompassing infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation.
Outdoor weather conditions, combined with occupant behavior, impact indoor air quality. Weather affects the decision to open or close windows, use air conditioning or heaters, all of which influence indoor air quality. Specific weather conditions can foster indoor moisture and mold growth without proper ventilation or air conditioning.
Health Impacts
Health effects linked to indoor air pollutants encompass:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even cancer.
Certain indoor pollutants, like radon, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, and Legionella bacteria, have well-established associations with health effects.
- Radon, a known carcinogen, ranks as the second leading cause of lung cancer.
- Carbon monoxide is toxic, and short-term exposure to high levels can be fatal.
- Legionnaires' disease, a pneumonia-like illness, has been tied to poorly maintained air conditioning systems and plumbing systems in buildings.
- Numerous indoor air pollutants, such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and environmental tobacco smoke, can trigger asthma attacks.
Despite progress, some indoor air quality matters continue to evolve, such as "sick building syndrome," which manifests when occupants experience similar symptoms after entering a particular building, alleviating upon leaving. Research also examines how indoor air quality affects diverse aspects like student performance and occupational productivity.
Moreover, the emergence of "green building" emphasizes energy efficiency and enhanced indoor air quality in design, construction, and maintenance.
Indicators of Indoor Air Quality
Currently, only two national indicators of indoor air quality exist based on robust, long-term data: Radon and Serum Cotinine (a marker of tobacco smoke exposure).
Given constraints, additional indoor air quality indicators couldn't be developed. Nonetheless, a wealth of information can be gleaned from government publications and scientific literature. EPA's indoor air quality resources provide insights into strategies for enhancing indoor air quality.
How can we do better?
As a matter of facts, many studies show that readings from 3,000 to 16,000 bacteria are typical for "contaminated" indoor areas. The closer to the ground level, the more microbial concentration. Orana Essential aims to reduce these and create the healthiest environment possible. The Orana Essential "Odor control" gel will restore the balance of the indoor air you breath everyday, it will work 24/7 for you.