APES • Get out Air Pollution Lab• Get out Superfund Poster –

staple rubric to the BOTTOM (So we see both the poster & the rubric at the same time)

Indoor Air Pollution

Ch. 18

Indoor Air PollutionThe most threatening indoor air pollutants are smoke and soot from the burning of wood and coal in cooking fires (mostly in less-developed countries), cigarette smoke, and chemicals used in building materials and cleaning products.

Developing Countries• Indoor burning of wood, charcoal, dung,

crop residues, coal• Poor suffer the greatest risk

Developed Countries

WHY?– 11 of the common air

pollutants higher inside than outside

– Greater in vehicles than outside

– Health risks magnified: people spend 70 – 98% of their time indoors/in cars.

Indoor air pollution > outdoor air pollution

Who is at greatest risk? • Children under 5• Elderly• Sick• Pregnant Women• People with respiratory

disorders or heart problems• Smokers• Factory Workers

Fig. 18-19, p. 482

Chloroform Source: Chlorine-treated water in hot showers Possible threat: Cancer

Para-dichlorobenzene Source: Air fresheners, mothball crystals Threat: Cancer

Tetrachloroethylene Source: Dry-cleaning fluid fumes on clothes Threat: Nerve disorders, damage to liver and kidneys, possible cancer

Formaldehyde Source: Furniture stuffing, paneling, particleboard, foam insulation Threat: Irritation of eyes, throat, skin, and lungs; nausea; dizziness1,1,1-Trichloroethane

Source: Aerosol sprays Threat: Dizziness, irregular breathing

Styrene Source: Carpets, plastic products Threat: Kidney and liver damage

Nitrogen oxides Source: Unvented gas stoves and kerosene heaters, woodstoves Threat: Irritated lungs, children's colds, headaches Benzo- -pyrene

Source: Tobacco smoke,woodstoves Threat: Lung cancer

Particulates Source: Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, cooking smoke particles Threat: Irritated lungs, asthma attacks, itchy eyes, runny nose, lung disease Radon-222 Source:

Radioactive soil and rock surrounding foundation, water supply Threat: Lung cancer

Tobacco smoke Source: Cigarettes Threat: Lung cancer, respiratory ailments, heart disease

Asbestos Source: Pipe insulation, vinyl ceiling and floor tiles Threat: Lung disease, lung cancer

Carbon monoxide Source: Faulty furnaces, unvented gas stoves and kerosene heaters, woodstoves Threat: Headaches, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, death

Methylene chloride Source: Paint strippers and thinners Threat: Nerve disorders, diabetes

Indoor Air PollutionSick Building Syndrome

Fig. 17-17p. 434

Four Most Dangerous Indoor Air Pollutants

1. Tobacco Smoke2. Formaldehyde (CH2O)3. Radioactive radon – 222 gas4. Very Small particles

Other Possible Indoor Air Pollutants

• Living organisms & their excrements–Dust mites & cockroach droppings

• Airborne spores of molds & mildew

• Pesticide Residue

• Pb Particles

Radon-222• Colorless,

odorless, radioactive gas

• Produced by natural decay of Uranium-238, small amounts found in rocks/soil

Radon-222• When released

outside decay = harmless

• Can build to high levels inside.

Radon Gas Case Study

Radon-222• Decays into solid

particles of other radioactive elements. ie: polonium-210

• Inhaled exposes lungs to alpha particles

• 2nd leading cause of lung cancer

Effects of Air Pollution on Living Organisms and Materials

• Damage to mucous membranes• Respiratory Disease– Lung cancer– Asthma – allergic reaction– Chronic Bronchitis – persistent

inflammation– Emphysema – Irreversible damage

Nasal cavity

Oral cavity

Pharynx (throat)

Trachea (windpipe)

BronchusRight lungBronchioles

(see figure 17.18b)

(see figure 17.18c)

Epithelial cell

Cilia

Mucus

Bronchiole

Alveolar duct

Alveoli

Alveolar sac(sectioned)

Effects of Air Pollution on Living Organisms and Materials

• Damage to plant leaves and roots

• Reduction in primary productivity

• Deterioration of materials

Premature Deaths from Air Pollution in the U.S.

Fig. 18-22, p. 485