View source for 106. Health effects of interiors, health and the built environment

* Interior health is important, as most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoor
* Indoor air pollutants is often much higher than regulation levels
* Indoor pollutants (see also topic 108)
** Radon
*** From the soil and building materials
*** Radon causes 3 – 15% of all lung cancers
*** Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking
*** Radon is a cancer initiator and promotor
*** Prevention
**** Increase ventilation
**** Sealing floor and walls
** HCHO (formaldehyde)
*** From insulation, furniture, tobacco smoke
** Asbestos
*** From insulation
** PAH (polyaromatic hydrocarbons)
*** From tobacco smoke
** Allergens
*** From house dusts, animal dander
* Sick building syndrome
** A condition where people suffer from symptoms from the building they work or live in
** The cause often remains unidentified, but symptoms improve or disappear when preventative measures are taken
** Can have many possible causes
*** Biological agents
**** Bacteria
***** Legionella is often found in stale water sources
**** Viruses
**** Fungi
**** Pollen
**** Dust mites
***** Glycyphagus domesticus
**** Insects
**** Animal dander
*** Artificial light
*** Infrasound
*** Carbon dioxide
*** Carbon monoxide
**** Inside levels can be very high in the afternoon
**** Source: garages
*** Formaldehyde
**** Found in many building products, like particle boards, plywood, glue, etc.
*** Second-hand tobacco smoke
*** Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
**** From furniture, paint, adhesives, solvents, carpets, spray cans, construction materials, etc.
*** Psychosocial factors
**** Nocebo effect
** Symptoms
*** Headache
*** Stuffy nose
*** Sneezing
*** Dry cough
*** Nausea
*** Tiredness
*** Etc.
** Preventative measures for sick building syndrome
*** Eliminate tobacco smoke
*** Provide adequate ventilation
*** Maintain the ventilation system properly
*** Remove sources of pollution

[[Category:Public health 6 - Occupational hygiene and occupational medicine]]