Indoor Air Quality. Child Health and the Environment in Aboriginal Communities. Safe Environments Programme HECS Alberta Region

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1 Indoor Air Quality Child Health and the Environment in Aboriginal Communities Safe Environments Programme HECS Alberta Region by: Opel Vuzi, BSc. CPHI(C)

What are the adverse human health effects?

2 Overview What is indoor air quality? Why is indoor air quality important? What are the sources of indoor air pollution? What are the adverse human health effects? How does children s vulnerability compare to adults? Any other vulnerable sector of the human population? How can you reduce the risks of exposure to indoor air pollutants?

3 What is indoor air quality? The quality of the air in homes, public facilities such as schools, daycares, workplace and recreational buildings. Home Daycare School

4 Why is indoor air quality important to us? We spend about 90% of our time indoors. Children and infants spend much more of their time indoors Concentrations of certain air pollutants are higher indoors than outdoors. Airtight buildings and homes to conserve energy Reduced fresh air intake therefore, potential for pollutant build-up indoors Exposure to certain air pollutants may have acute and/or chronic human health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular system)

5 What are the sources of indoor air pollution? Some examples of indoor air pollutant sources Biologics Combustion by-products (appliances) Environmental tobacco smoke Housekeeping and personal care consumer products Construction materials and furnishing Outdoors

6 Biologics Examples of biologics: Moulds Dust mites Animal dander Bacteria and viruses Dust mites

7 Some conditions favourable to mould growth

8 Biologics (cont.) Example of adverse human health effects: Infections (bacteria, viruses) Exposure risk to airborne infectious substances (TB) increased risk where indoor air quality is poor and overcrowding condition. Hantavirus (Rodent infestation) Allergic reactions: Is the major concern related to exposure to biologics such as animal dander, dust mites and moulds.

9 Combustion by-products Household appliances Wood/gas fireplaces and stoves

10 Combustion by-products (cont.) Examples of pollutants: Carbon monoxide Nitrogen oxides Sulphur dioxide Particulate matter

11 Combustion by-products (cont.) Example of adverse human health effects: Carbon monoxide Poisonous gas (colourless odourless) Interferes with oxygen uptake to be transported to all parts of the body Particulate matter, Nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide Respiratory tract effects including irritation and asthmatic reactions Irritation of the eyes

12 Environmental tobacco smoke Smoke exhaled by smokers and from burning cigarettes, cigars and pipes Drapes, carpet, clothes and furniture (sofas) act as sinks for the chemicals that are later released into the air.

13 Environmental tobacco smoke (cont.) There are over 4,000 chemicals plus particulate matter in tobacco smoke Forty (40) of the chemicals known human carcinogens) Examples of chemicals Arsenic Hydrogen cyanide Nicotine

14 Environmental tobacco smoke (cont.) The adverse human health effects of tobacco smoke is well establish Has short-term and long-term health effects Short-term effects for example irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract asthmatic reactions Long-term effects for example an increased risk of developing lung cancer

respiratory tract infections Increased risks of asthma episodes and severity

15 Environmental tobacco smoke (cont.) Health effects related to infants and children: Increased risks of lower respiratory tract infections Increased risks of asthma episodes and severity Unborn infants: Deprived of oxygen due to Carbon monoxide intake by the to be mom Risk of exposure to other harmful chemicals such as nicotine.

16 Housekeeping and personal care products Housekeeping products: Cleaning chemicals

17 Housekeeping and personal care products Housekeeping products: Air fresheners

18 Housekeeping and personal care products (cont.) Personal care products: Perfumes Nail polish Deodorants Scented soaps/body lotions

19 Housekeeping and personal care products (cont.) Examples of adverse human health effects At room temperatures products may give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene etc. VOCs can cause: Irritation of the upper respiratory tracts and eyes Asthmatic reactions Nasal congestion Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen

20 Construction materials/furnishing Construction/building materials Paints and solvents Adhesives (glues) Particleboards, plywood Flooring (carpet, fabricated flooring) Furniture and drapes

21 Construction materials/furnishing (cont.) Examples of adverse human health effects At room temperature construction materials and furnishing give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (formaldehyde, benzene, etc.) The VOCs can cause: Irritation of the upper respiratory tracts and eyes Asthmatic reactions Nasal congestion Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen

22 Outdoor sources Vehicle exhaust Forest fires Landfill fire Pollen

23 Outdoor sources Examples of pollutants: Carbon monoxide Nitrogen dioxide Particulate matter Pollen grains Health effects: As previously discussed.

24 How does children s vulnerability compare to adults?

25 Children s vulnerability Children are the most at risk of experiencing adverse health effects than adults because: Rapid development and greater metabolic rates therefore high rate of demand for oxygen uptake Developing lungs that can easily be adversely impacted Developing immune system that is not fully capable of providing natural defence for the body Lower ability than adults to breakdown toxic substances and eliminate from the body (not fully developed liver and kidneys)

26 Children s vulnerability (cont.) Rapid growth and developmental changes in infants/children E.g. Unborn infants- (rapid cell division, differentiation and development) Children are close to the floor/ground Concentrations of certain air pollutants are greater close to the floor/ground than higher up.

27 Children s vulnerability (cont.) Multimedia exposure to toxic substances (ingestion and inhalation) Inability to minimize exposure

28 Children s vulnerability (cont.) Spend greater amount of time indoors at home, schools and daycares)

29 Source: A Statistical Profile on the Health of First Nations in Canada Health Services Utilization in Western Canada, 2000 (

30 Others most vulnerable Other most vulnerable population: Persons (including children) with existing respiratory illness such as asthma. Persons with other underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and suppressed immunity The elderly

31 How can you reduce the risks of exposure to indoor air pollutants?

35 Reducing the risks of exposure to indoor air pollutants Examples of general recommendations to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants: Proper design and operation of the heating ventilation and air condition system No smoking indoors Adequate ventilation system Proper operation and maintenance of home and building systems

36 Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Developed March 2003 Provides tools to prevent, identify, assess and address most indoor problems Primarily for elementary and secondary schools Principles applicable to daycare centres and preschools For use by school boards, principals, and other school staff members Useful to engineers in designing new or major renovations of school buildings

37 Additional information Health Canada Environmental Public Health Services, Alberta Region

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