Housing and Indoor Environments. Chapter 15

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1 Housing and Indoor Environments Chapter 15

2 Air Pollution Problems Outdoor Sources Automobile emissions Industrial emissions Global warming Thinning of the ozone layer Indoor Sources Building materials Smokers Cleaning chemicals and solvents Pesticides Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Mold, mildew, dust, pollen Radon

3 Where to Live? Geographical considerations Climate Employment Low crime rates Community and government services Drinking water and solid waste disposal Public transportation Parks and recreation

4 Basic Housing Needs Supportive structure in compliance with building codes and public health codes. Soundproofing and insulation Adequate space Adequate lighting Adequate temperature and humidity Adequate ventilation Good sanitation

5 How Much Space Do You Need? At least 150 sq. ft. for the first person 100 sq. ft. for each additional person 7 ft. minimum ceiling height Sleeping space should have 70 sq. ft. of floor space for the first occupant At least 50 sq. ft. for each additional occupant At least 4 sq. ft. of closet space per occupant

6 Adequate Lighting Windows or skylights must equal 10% of the total floor area of the residence Two electrical outlets per room Hallways and stairs must have at least 10 foot candles of light The type of lighting depends on the type of activity and room

7 Temperature and Humidity Room temperatures should be at least 68 o F 36 inches from the floor Temperatures can be o F for working and o F for sleeping Humidity should be between 30 and 50% If humidity is above 60%, a dehumidifier should be used If humidity is below 30%, a humidifier should be used

8 Ventilation Outdoor air should be used to freshen the indoors Air movement regulates temperature and humidity Forced air systems should move 500 feet per minute in all rooms or so the total air of a building is turned over 2 6 times per hour Office buildings should move cubic feet per minute per person Partitions should be raised 6 inches from the floor

9 Sanitation Hot water heaters should be set at 120 o F Water should flow from faucets at a minimum rate of 1 gallon per minute Toilets should be in working order Garbage removal is important

10 Indoor Air Pollution 90% of time is spent indoors One of the top five environmental risks Indoor pollution can be times higher than outdoor pollution Accounts for the majority of lung cancer deaths Since the 1970s buildings have been built airtight to conserve energy Headaches, allergies, depression, and chronic respiratory problems are indicators of indoor pollution

11 Indoor Pollution and Children 55 million children spend their days in school One in five schools has inadequate ventilation Children are more vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution than adults

12 Types of Indoor Pollutants Physical Asbestos Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) Radon Chemical CO, Pb, Hg, pesticides, and VOCs Biological Mold, mildew, dust, pollen, pets

13 Physical Pollutants: Asbestos Naturally occurring mineral Does not conduct electricity or heat Used in insulation, floor tiles, roofing paper, potholders, paints, plastics, cement, and caulking compounds A hazardous air pollution due to asbestosis Requires special handling to remove

14 Physical Pollutants: ETS Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), known as secondhand smoke, consists of Side stream smoke Smoke emitted between puffs of a burning cigarette, pipe, or cigar Mainstream smoke Smoke exhaled by the smoker

15 ETS Pollutants Leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S. Contains 40 carcinogens and thousands of other chemicals: Mutagens Poisonous gases (CO) Poisonous chemicals (benzene, formaldehyde, and polonium)

16 Health Hazards of ETS Lung cancer, respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, cancer, heart disease, miscarriage, ear infections, bronchitis, asthma exacerbation, SIDS, and developmental delays in children The risk for nonsmokers is also high Considered a nuisance, negligence, harassment, and a fire hazard The risk is not lower with low tar cigarettes

17 Health Hazards of Radon Second leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers Causes emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis Damages epithelial lung tissue Smokers are at greater risk Can be detected in urine, lung, and bone tissue Home kits are available to test basements, attics, and closed in places

18 Chemical Pollutants: CO Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of incomplete combustion Attaches to Hb in RBCs and prevents O 2 transport Found in cigarette smoke, fireplaces, stoves, chimneys, grills, and camp stoves The concentration indoors is determined by ventilation, source, and time Present in any smoky atmosphere

19 Chemical Pollutants: Pb Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal Found in plumbing, pesticides, cooking utensils, ceramic dishes, paint, and gasoline Has a cumulative effect with neurological and kidney damage, high blood pressure, disrupted blood cell production, and reproductive problems Especially harmful for children Found in interior and exterior paints unless it is lead free

20 Chemical Pollutants: Hg Mercury (Hg) is found in paints with a metallic sheen Also found in thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs Harmful when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin

21 Chemical Pollutants: Pesticides Used around foundations and inside Some residues of banned pesticides are found in older homes (not biodegradable) Concentrations are higher indoors Keep children and pets out of the house for 8 hours after application or ventilate the house Must be applied by a certified specialist

22 Chemical Pollutants: VOCs Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases related from solids or liquids at room temperature Used in solvents, disinfectants, pesticides, paint, adhesives, spray cans, room deodorizers, copy machine toners, markers, pens, and correction fluid Can remain indoors for as long as 6 months Cause headaches, nausea, irritation, damage to liver, kidneys, and CNS

23 Acetone Benzene Formaldehyde Nitrogen dioxide Paradichlorobenzene Perchloroethylene Toluene Tricholorethylene Vinyl chloride Common VOCs

24 Acetone Used to make plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals Used as a solvent for fingernail polish remover and duplicating fluid

25 Benzene A known human carcinogen Primary source from ETS, stored fuels, paint, and automobile emissions Can be reduced by not smoking in the home and having maximum ventilation

26 Formaldehyde One of the most hazardous compounds to human health Used to make plastics, resins, paint, glue, rubber, textiles, explosives, insulation, and building materials Also found in adhesives and photographic chemicals More occupational exposure with those working with wood products, solvents, copy machines, and correction fluids

27 Paradichlorobenzene Used to control moths, molds, mildew, and deodorize restrooms and waste containers A strong odor A known carcinogen Exposure causes dizziness, headaches, and liver problems

28 Perchloroethylene Used in dry-cleaning fluids and solvents Causes cancer in animals Dry goods should be properly dried and aired out before hanging in the closet

29 Toluene Used as a solvent in paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, rubber Used in some printing and leather tanning processes

30 Trichloroethylene Nonflammable, colorless liquid with a sweet odor Used as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts An ingredient in adhesives, paint removers, typewriter correction fluids, and spot removers for dry cleaning

31 Vinyl Chloride A mild, sweet odor Used to make PVC pipe, coating for wire and cables, and packaging materials

32 Other Toxic Indoor Chemicals Ammonia (household cleaner) Do not inhale Chlorine (bleaching and disinfectant) Corrosive Hydrofluoric acid Corrosive Nitrogen dioxide Released during burning, fermentation, welding, electroplating, and engraving

33 Molds Mildew Dust Pollen Pets Biological Pollutants

34 Biological Pollutants: Molds A fungus found anywhere Wet drywall or humidity encourages growth Have a characteristic odor Often referred to as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) Mold spores get into the respiratory tract Causes infection, growth, or allergic response

35 Mycotoxins Found in the most dangerous molds Trigger inflammation and immune responses Fluid accumulation Hyperactive immune responses Tissue scarring Allergic responses Asthmatic attacks and bronchial constriction

36 Types of Molds Cladosporium is found in plants, wood, textiles, and food Toxic molds: Aspergillus fumigatus is found in decaying vegetation Stachybotrys chartarum found in gypsum board, paper, canvas, and jute Greenish-black

37 Mycotoxicosis Diseases caused by toxic molds Symptoms include hearing loss, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration, fatigue, sleep disturbances, facial swelling, rashes, nose bleeding, gastrointestinal, and other respiratory problems

38 Sick Building Syndrome Related to improperly designed or maintained heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems Occurs in old and new buildings More common in buildings with partitions, hallways, and closed doors OSHA should be notified

39 Mildew Decomposes paper, fabric, wood, paint, glue, leather, and anything coated with organic matter Dark green or black Persistent in warm, humid climates Many people are allergic to mildew Desiccants can be used to control moisture

40 Dust Many individuals are allergic to the dust mites They feed upon dead human skin, carpeting, draperies, bedding, and upholstery Mattress and pillow covers can be used Vacuuming helps Air ducts can be cleaned

41 Pollen Sources include weeds, trees, and flowers Broadleaved tree pollen blows easily in the wind Pine pollen is less of a problem Pampas grass, goldenrod, and marigolds produce large amounts of pollen Windows should be closed for those with pollen allergies

42 Pets Pets can bring pollen indoors Many are allergic to the hair and dander They can bring fleas and ticks into the home Pathogens can be found in pet saliva, urine, and feces They should be groomed and bathed regularly

43 Allergens Each person has sensitivities The immune system tolerance varies in individuals Exposure to some substances create allergic sensitivities and an impaired immune system Histamine production is an inflammatory response Asthma is an allergic response with bronchial constriction

44 Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Hypersensitivity to chemicals Perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, lotions, cleaning products, laundry detergents, dry sheets, toilet paper, fabric softeners, and facial tissues Fatigue is the first symptom of toxic overload Other symptoms include headaches, allergies, depression, joint and muscle pain, and respiratory illnesses A RAST test can help identify allergens

45 Reducing Indoor Air Pollution Do not permit smoking indoors Remove plants and animals Improve indoor ventilation Dust weekly Substitute nontoxic cleaners for toxic ones Install ceiling fans Consider air cleaning devices

46 Reducing Indoor Air Pollutants Prevent the accumulation of indoor air pollutants with good cleaning Remove carpet and install wood floors Remove window blinds and curtains Install a central vacuum system in a new home Use electrostatic furnace filters Change the furnace filter once per month Use a high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter in furnaces and vacuum cleaners

47 Air Cleaning Devices Mechanical air filtering devices Electrostatic precipitators

48 Improving Your Immunity Consume foods high in vitamins B, C, and D, protein, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and chromium Increase intake of antioxidants (brightcolored fruits and vegetables, green tea) Reduce the consumption of fat (stores toxic substances)

Air pollution and health

Air pollution and health Dr. Amir Elahi Johri, MBBS, MPH, ACIEH, FRSPH Consultant Air Pollution It is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort