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AP Environmental Science Mr. Grant Lesson 47. Indoor Air Pollution. Objectives:. Define the term sick-building syndrome . Characterize the scope of indoor air pollution and assess potential solutions.
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AP Environmental Science Mr. Grant Lesson 47 Indoor Air Pollution
Objectives: • Define the term sick-building syndrome. • Characterize the scope of indoor air pollution and assess potential solutions. • TED - Fumes from indoor cooking fires kill more than 2 million children a year in the developing world. MIT engineer Amy Smith details an exciting but simple solution: a tool for turning farm waste into clean-burning charcoal.
Define the term sick-building syndrome. Sick-Building Syndrome: A building-related illness produced by indoor pollution in which the specific cause is not identifiable.
Characterize the scope of indoor air pollution and assess potential solutions. • Indoor air pollutions cause far more deaths and heath problems worldwide than outdoor air pollution. • Indoor burning of fuelwood is the developing world’s primary indoor pollution risk. • Tobacco smoke and radon are the deadliest indoor pollutants in the developed world. • Volatile organic compounds and living organisms can pollute indoor air. • Using low toxicity building materials, keeping spaces clean, monitoring air quality, and maximizing ventilation are some of the steps we can take to reduce indoor air pollutions.
Indoor airpollution Indoor air pollution =in workplaces, schools, and homes Health effects are greater than from outdoor pollution The average U.S. citizen spends 90% of the time indoors Exposed to synthetic materials that have not been comprehensively tested Being environmentally prudent can make it worse To reduce heat loss and improve efficiency, ventilation systems were sealed off Windows do not open, trapping pollutants inside
Indoor air pollution in the developing world Stems from burning wood, charcoal, dung, crop wastes with little to no ventilation Fuel burning pollution causes 1.6 million deaths/year Soot and carbon monoxide Pneumonia, bronchitis, lung cancer, allergies, cataracts, asthma, heart disease, etc.
Tobacco smoke and radon The most dangerous indoor pollutants in developed nations Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is very dangerous Contains over 4,000 chemical compounds Causes eye, nose, and throat irritation Smoking has declined in developed nations Radon causes 21,000 deaths a year in the U.S. A radioactive gas resulting from natural decay of rock, soil, or water that can seep into buildings New homes are being built that are radon resistant
VOCs pollute indoor air The most diverse group of indoor air pollutants Released by everything from plastics and oils to perfumes and paints Most VOCs are released in very small amounts Unclear health implications due to low concentrations Formaldehyde leaking from pressed wood and insulation irritates mucous membranes and induces skin allergies Pesticides seep through floors and walls Are brought in on shoe soles
Living organisms can pollute indoors Dust mites and animal dander worsen asthma Fungi, mold, mildew, airborne bacteria cause allergies, asthma, other respiratory ailments, and diseases Building-related illness = a sickness produced by indoor pollution Sick building syndrome = a sickness produced by indoor pollution with general and nonspecific symptoms Reduced by using low-toxicity building materials and good ventilation
We can reduce indoor air pollution In developed countries: Use low-toxicity materials, limit use of plastics and treated wood, monitor air quality, keep rooms clean Provide adequate ventilation Limit exposure to known toxicants Test homes and offices and use CO detectors In developing countries: Dry wood before burning Cook outside Use less-polluting fuels (natural gas)
TED Video Amy Smith designs cheap, practical fixes for tough problems in developing countries. Among her many accomplishments, the MIT engineer received a MacArthur "genius" grant in 2004 and was the first woman to win the Lemelson-MIT Prize for turning her ideas into inventions. Amy Smith shares simple, lifesaving design (15:03) Fumes from indoor cooking fires kill more than 2 million children a year in the developing world. MIT engineer Amy Smith details an exciting but simple solution: a tool for turning farm waste into clean-burning charcoal.
