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COMPOSITION OF POLLUTANTS IN OUR INDOOR AIR

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indoor air pollutants

Intro

Indoor pollution has become very rampant in the modern world. What exactly is contained in the so-called indoor air pollutants ? The chemicals and harmful gasses vary in the level of harm from one pollutant to another. Following is a list of pollutants composition in indoor air.

Carbon monoxide
Formaldehyde
Benzene
Nitrogen dioxide
Naphthalene
These are the highest, most dangerous indoor air pollutants; However, there are still some other less hazardous but still harmful ones.

Tobacco smoke

Smoking tobacco is the major cause of most indoor emissions which lead to various health effects. Second-hand tobacco smoke is associated with coronary heart disease and irritation, respiratory system diseases in adults. In children, it causes mid-ear infections and sudden death syndrome.

Lead

Lead is a common metal in our households as it is used to manufacture a lot of things. It was majorly used for paint manufacturing, but it has since been banned. This is because it has adverse effects on people’s health due to indoor air pollution. To children, even the smallest exposure to lead is a major concern to their slowly developing bodies.

Phosphates

This is a major pollutant of indoor air. High and unprotected exposure leads to diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. The good news is that it is very unlikely for this pollutant to have adverse health effects when inhaled from indoor air. Scientific reports state that phosphates are not considered a major health concern.

Radon

This gas occurs naturally and comes from the ground. This particular emission is experienced where the bedrock has high levels of uranium. To get indoors, radon diffuses through the soil into the building. It is a major indoor pollutant and even more hazardous since it leads to lung cancer. Also check that RADON AND LUNG CANCER.

Organophosphate Pesticides

This chemical is a composition of the pesticides we use at our homes to get rid of insects. This indoor pollutant leads to the damage of the nervous system. It, therefore, has extremely adverse effects on children. Indoor exposure to this pollutants is common since it can be ingested or inhaled from the surfaces, the quantities available indoors might not be big enough to give adverse effects immediately, but it does in the long run upon inhalation of these chemicals.

Volatile Organic Compounds

These are present in the majority of consumer products and decomposing materials. The major categories are benzene, naphthalene, and formaldehyde. Volatile organic compounds will react with the ozone layer to form harmful indoor gasses. Similarly, when some holes hold items are dispose of, their decaying leads to the emission of yet another gas that pollutes indoor air. The levels of volatile organic compounds in a home may serve as an indicator of the quality of the air that is contained indoors.

 

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Simon

Simon

Mark spent many years, time, and energy learning about various disciplines that he can now utilize together in the most effective way possible. Some of the credentials/certifications earned through Mark’s career include an HVAC license, indoor air quality inspector from INTerNACHI, radon measurement certification, radon mitigation certification.

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