Chapter 6 - Indoor air pollution: a comprehensive review of public health challenges and prevention policies

Abstract

The indoor environment is a potential source of repeated exposure to harmful pollutants. People that spend 80–90% of their time indoors may suffer from chronic health problems due to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This has been a growing concern for health, comfort, and activity levels at home, offices, schools, and hospitals. Studies conducted in developing countries such as China and India show indoor air pollution (IAP) as an underlying cause behind increasing cases of respiratory health problems. The EPA and WHO have established several standards to control IAP, and they may serve as potential guidelines to local, state, and federal government agencies. Numerous researchers have already provided insights into the problem of IAP and associated health problems. The main objective of this chapter is to present a state-of-the-art review to highlight valuable contributions in the field that are available in the literature. This critical review evidences the impact of potential pollutants on human health and well-being. Furthermore, the main contribution is to present insights on the prevention and control policies to improve IAQ. In sum, this review chapter is expected to be useful to introduce not only policymakers and government authorities but also researchers and students to a significant problem that must be addressed to enhance living environments.