Air Quality (indoor)
Air pollution is not just a problem affecting the outside environment. Levels of air pollutants in homes, indoor workplaces, and schools may exceed levels found outdoors and people spend approximately 90% of their time in these environments. The sources and causes of indoor air pollution are varied and may include:
- sub-standard housing that may increase exposure to mold, allergens and asbestos,
- placement of housing in areas with high concentrations of outdoor air pollution, such as adjacent to freeways and railyards,
- inadequate ventilation that can trap fumes from cleaning products, kerosene heaters and tobacco use, and
- naturally occurring radon found in soils, rocks and water.
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Downstream Health Effects
Exposure to poor indoor air quality may result in:
- respiratory problems (wheezing or difficulty breathing)
- coughing
- decreased lung function
- allergic reactions/inflammation
- eye irritation
- lung cancer