[Mostly relevant for people from developing countries]
I wrote this content for an information campaign I did at the university through nature-club.
Most people spend as much as 80%-90% of their time indoors. The indoor environment of homes and offices is often more seriously polluted than outdoor atmosphere. The major sources of indoor air pollution are gases and particles that are released into air. Inadequate ventilation makes the situation much worse!
Indoor Combustion
Combustion of fuels such as oil , gas or kerosine inside a building contributes to the concentration of VOC*s, particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulphur, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other odur causing chemicals. They can cause nose and throat irritation, headaches, asthma and even cancer!
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Do you have someone in your family who smokes tobacco ? Tobacco smoke contains a complex mixture of over 4000 compounds, more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer! Many of the reaminign compunds are strong irritants. Tobacco smoking is responsible for approximately 3000 lung cancer deaths every year in non-smoking adults and causes respiratory infections in thousands of children .
Latex Paint
Latex paint contain VOCs* such as toluene, ethyl benzene, 2-propanol and butane. Some interior latex paint can emit formaldehyde when it is dying. These formaldehydes combine with other contaminants to cause headache, respiratory irritations, watery eyes, nausea , akin irritaion and heart problems.
How to Avoid indoor air pollution
- Ensure effective ventilation in all the areas of the house.
- Install and use exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms
- Dont smoke at home or permit others to do so
- Choose quality building and furniturishing materials, which are free from formaldehyde
- Keep children awat from high risk areas, because they are the most vulnerable to health effects.
*Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature
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7 Comments
Thank you for sharing, Januka!
Posted 30-11-2014 13:13
This is apt Januka. In developing countries such pollutants exists at home.
Out of all the methods, I think Smoking is one that can be totally avoided at home.
Thanks for the report.
Posted 08-10-2014 20:19
Very idiosyncratic, indeed such information should be driven to the very people who live amongst us (friends,family colleages) including us.But, some people need to be made more aware of the situation to get them out of the cloud of ignorance as this will help in changing their way of thinking and hence their lifestyles. "Are you safe at home" is the rightful question-may be even at the office,factory,cars,streets etc. Thank you for the article Mr Januka Wijesinghe.
Posted 02-10-2014 17:30
Thanks Januka for a lesser known fact . You are right , our indoors as well are polluted and need our attention. Some pollutants are tracked into the home. Some arrive via a new mattress or furniture, carpet cleaners, or a coat of paint on the walls.The picture is so nicely conveying the message. Indoor allergens and irritants have become much more important in recent times because we're spending more time indoors. And because modern homes are airtight, these irritants can't easily escape. Thanks for the tips to avoid indoor air pollution.
Posted 02-10-2014 16:25
Great report Januka. Most oftern when we think about most air pollution(and environmental) issues, we concentrate on outdoor areas. Yet our indoor areas are also fumming with harmful gasses. And yes, I also think your report applies mostly to developing area. For example in my region (Zimbabwe and surrounding areas) there is a problem of uneven and unreliable power supply. As such residents cook with firewood in small huts.
Posted 02-10-2014 03:07
This is definitely something which everyone needs to be aware of. Many people do not realize this, but it is our duty to spread awareness on this topic! Thanks for the info :D
Posted 02-10-2014 02:53
This a very informative report, Januka. Thank you for posting this. This will remind us always to be vigilant of our surroundings, even at home.
Posted 02-10-2014 01:31