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

From greek.doctor
  • 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