Causes of Indoor air pollution in 500 words
Answers
Explanation:
Indoor air pollution is experienced through contamination of air in indoor areas from air pollutants arising from gases and particles. Compared to the commonly known outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution is more dangerous. According to WHO, exposure to indoor air pollution causes the death of about 4.3 million people each year. Poor indoor air quality usually causes discomfort which ends after removal of the cause of the contamination. However, some air pollutants tend to cause respiratory diseases and cancer which shows up later in life. One of the primary sources of indoor air pollution is the use of solid fuels in homes, with others being biological pollutants, pesticides, and carbon monoxide from stoves and chimneys.
Biological Pollutants
Living things produce biological contaminants, which occur in areas with food and water or moisture. People and animals carry bacteria and viruses which contaminate the indoor air. Saliva and dander from household pets also cause this type of pollution. Other types of these pollutants include pollen from plants, droppings of some insects and rodents as well as their body parts, and mold. Health effects arising from these pollutants include allergic reactions such as some asthma types, allergic rhinitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which occur after repeated exposure. Microorganisms that grow in ventilation systems release toxins which can cause humidifier fever.
Pesticides
Pesticides help to control or kill pests which may include insects, rodents, and organisms such as fungi and bacteria. Use of these products in households contributes to indoor air pollution. Pesticides come in the form of sprays, powders, balls, sticks, and liquids. Exposure arises from containers storing the chemicals, surfaces collecting them and contaminated soil which generates dust that floats into households. The health effects resulting from exposure to pesticides include a higher risk of cancer and irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes. Some pesticides can lead to damaging of the kidneys, liver and the nervous and endocrine systems.
Carbon Monoxide And Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Carbon monoxide (CO) are toxic gases. These two gases have almost the same sources and lead to indoor air pollution. Burning of solid fuel in fireplaces and wood stoves generates these gases. Other causes include tobacco smoke, gas stoves, unvented gas and kerosene heaters as well as back-drafting, equipment powered by gasoline, and welding. Health effects arising from these causes of indoor air pollution and other sources vary with the level of exposure. Carbon monoxide at low concentrations may cause fatigue in healthy individuals as well as chest pain in people suffering from heart diseases. Higher levels of the gas may lead to confusion, impaired vision, flu-like symptoms and even death. On the other hand, minimal exposure to nitrogen dioxide may irritate the respiratory tract and eyes, as well as causing an increase in bronchial reactivity among some asthmatics. High concentrations of nitrogen dioxide cause chronic bronchitis and pulmonary edema. Secondhand smoke resulting from tobacco use in cigarettes creates a higher risk of lung cancer.