While news reports occasionally bemoan issues of air pollution as it relates to the environment, many individuals place considerably less emphasis on air pollution inside their own homes or offices. This dangerous environmental factor can have a number of both immediate and long-term health considerations.

Definition

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is defined as, "Chemical, physical, or biological contaminants in indoor air."

Types

While the EPA does not distinguish between types of indoor air pollutants, pollution may be either short term or long term, and various pollutants cause a number of different health effects.

Sources

A number of pollutants can affect indoor air; some more common pollutants include smoke, asbestos, fossil fuels, cleaning and hobby products, radon, pesticides and even mold. In addition, outside pollutants may enter a home through windows, doors, air conditioners and natural ventilation.

Effects

Short-term effects of indoor air pollution include respiratory distress, allergic reactions and skin rashes. Long-term effects include serious respiratory damage, heart disease, cancer and even, in extreme cases, death.

Remedy

Pollutants created or brought into a building, like cleaning supply fumes and tobacco smoke, may quickly exit through open windows and natural ventilation. More serious pollution, like that from extensive smoke damage or mold growth, may require professional remediation.

Source:

US Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Air Quality

EPA Glossary of Terms