Indoor air quality is one of the fastest growing health
concerns across the U.S. According to the studies, indoor air quality is often
worse off than outdoor air quality. This is because indoor air is more
concentrated and people have greater exposure to the air.
Immediate Effects
The immediate effects of poor indoor air quality include:
·
Irritation in nose, eyes or throat
·
Dizziness
·
Fatigue
·
Headache
·
Asthma
·
Difficulty in breathing
Long Term Effects
The effects of frequent or long-term exposure to poor indoor
air quality may lead to following long-term effects:
·
Chronic asthma
·
Chronic allergies
·
Fungus
·
Poor pregnancy
·
Premature delivery
·
Cancer
·
Heart disease
·
Lung diseases
Quick Look on Symptoms of Immediate and Long-Term Health Effects
According to the World Health Organization, poor indoor air
quality has led to problems including minor upper respiratory tract disorders
and fatal diseases like acute respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders,
lung cancer, stroke, and more.
In WHO Western Pacific and South-East Asia Pacific, around
88% of the deaths occur in low-income areas due to poor indoor air quality.
Around 3 million people use biomass fuel
and coal to light up their homes, cook food, or keep the homes
warm.
Sick Building Syndrome
The term Sick Building Syndrome was coined in 1982 by the
team of experts at World Health Organization. Sick Building Syndrome reflects a
set of symptoms caused by poor indoor quality. These symptoms include dry
mouth, dry throat, dry skin, erythema, and sensation of dry skin. The study
reports were based on US and Scandinavian population. Work-related symptoms
were reported in Danish Town Hall Study. The symptoms were not reported in U.K.
However, a cross-sectional study of Swedish population revealed SBS symptoms on
hands and face.
The skin reactions of SBS studied in dermatological clinics
include skin problems like itching folliculitis, scaling on face, ears, and
scalp, erythema, and rosacea. These skin problems are considered psychosomatic
in nature. The clinical practice of these skin-related issues is linked with
the impact of environmental, physical, and chemical factors in complicated
environments.
Problems and Symptoms Due to Chemical Pollutants
Nitrogen oxides, environmental tobacco smoke, pesticides,
formaldehydes, carbon monoxide and phthalates are included among chemical
pollutants. Their common indoor sources include household cleaning products,
combustion products like stove, cigarette and cigar smoke, malfunctioning gas
equipments, wood stoves, gas heaters, air conditioners, durable press fabric,
paints and wallpapers, air fresheners, glues, and more.
Their potential problems and their symptoms include skin
irritation, confusion, dizziness, irritation in eye, nose and throat, fatigue,
poor memory, headache, bronchitis, loss of coordination, frequent fever.
Problems and Symptoms Due to Biological Pollutants
Biological pollutants include pets, dust mites, humidifiers,
mold, mildew, insects, pollen, animal dander, animal saliva, fungal materials,
bacterial endotoxins, dehumidifiers, and furnishings. The symptoms include
coughing, influenza, humidifier fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, asthma,
irritation in throat, nose and eyes, digestive problems and itching.
Problems and Symptoms Due to
Asbestos and Respirable Pollutants
Wood materials, fireproofing, cigarette, decorating hazards,
insulation, and wood stove release dangerous gases and chemicals. The symptoms
of their effects include irritation in nose, eyes, and throat, respiratory
disorders, lung cancer, infections in bronchitis, and mesothelioma.
...............................................................................................................................................
References
No comments:
Post a Comment