Indoor Air Pollutants and the Impact on Human Health

Abstract

The major area of public concern and government policy, in terms of the impact of air pollution on human health, continues to be outdoor air. However, over the last two decades, indoor air quality (IAQ) has caused increasing concern due to the adverse effects that it may have on human health. The term indoors is used in relative literature to refer to a variety of environments, including homes, workplaces, and buildings used as offices or for recreational purposes. In addition, a number of studies have been carried out to measure various compounds inside vehicles during commuting activities. Most people in the developed world spend up to 90% of their time in an indoor environment and up to 60% of the workforce work in an office. (Tsakas & Siskos, 2010; McCurdy et al., 2000; Ashford & Caldart, 2008; Andersson & Klevard Setterwall, 1996) Decreased ventilation rates for energy conservation, along with increased use of synthetic materials in buildings, have resulted in increased health complaints from building occupants (Siskos, 2003). Many indoor pollutants are either known, or suspected to be, allergens, carcinogens, neurotoxins, immunotoxins or irritants, while all may contribute to sick building syndrome (SBS). The set of health symptoms associated with SBS includes nasal, ocular and generalised diseases. According to various studies performed in public buildings by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Soldatos et al., 2003), the three most significant symptoms that were experienced in more than 70% of the buildings are dry eyes, dry throat and headaches. The IAQ and the presence of air pollutants in indoor environment is a worldwide issue, since many governments and environmental institutes have faced this serious phenomenon. Starting in the 1990s in Japan, tightly sealed buildings with low ventilation rates have been constructed. This, combined with the use of some new types of building materials has often resulted in IAQ problems. Many inhabitants suffering with SBS and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), have been reported (McCurdy et al., 2000; Zhang & Niu, 2004). As a result the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have introduced indoor air guidelines for a range of VOCs including HCHO based on hazard assessments (Shinohara et al., 2009). The importance of IAQ has also been recognised in Europe and has been identified as an important element within the European Collaborative Action (ECA) (ECA, 1998) and the European Environment and Health Action Plan (Dimitroulopoulou et al., 2006). In America, the State of California has adopted an active programme for the last two decades aiming to the reduction of indoor air pollution, which has led to a range of policy instruments (Waldman & Jenkins, 2004). Over recent years, important steps have been made towards