Molds and Volatile Organic Chemicals as Indoor Air Pollution - Research Paper Example

 Indoor Air Pollution: Molds and Volatile Organic Chemicals Introduction As technological advancement has brought refreshing changes in our life-style, we should be aware about the hazards of indoor pollutants that are caused by using many devices and substances, meant for our ease and comfort. Such polluting chemicals are released, as we use cooking oil for frying food in our kitchens, detergents to clean our rugs and carpets, soaps and shampoos for taking a shower or plugging a room freshener. In addition, the use of chemicals and pesticides for the purpose of spraying ants and other domestic worms, like cockroaches, entrap the harmful chemicals inside our rooms, thus causing a major health hazard for us. Although the environmental pollution coming from outside may add to the decay in air quality of our homes, the indoor pollution is sometimes more harmful than the bad quality of air found outside. While there is the documented evidence of tobacco smoke, lead particles, mold, asbestos and pesticide chemicals being responsible for causing life threatening diseases like cancer and respiratory ailments; the release of toxic and harmful chemicals from plastic softeners, detergents and flame retardants add o such health hazards.(Kay, 2004) Since home, school and work place environmnment provide continuous exposure to indoor pollution, the affect on human lungs is the greatest danger due to the same. In addition, the air-borne pollutants can cause non-respiratory diseases, depending on the toxicity of chemicals inhaled. However, the establishment of etiology for the same may be difficult, as the signs and symptoms are non-specific. Moreover, multiple pollutants can cause similar symptoms, which may result in cases of allergy, cold and flue as well as air-borne viral infections. However, the etiological conclusions can be identified if the individuals are able to notice the difference of signs and symptoms, as they remain outside their homes for a longer period.(Indoor Air Pollution) Causes of indoor pollution As indoor air pollution can occur in different buildings, which include homes, schools and offices; the accumulation of polluting agents occur due to entrapment of dust particles, gases and biological agents inside the building. Pollutants like carbon dioxide, lead formaldehyde and asbestos can cause severe health hazards, as these are generated during the routine activity taking place inside the building. Furnaces, stoves, fire-places, water heaters are sources that cause incomplete combustion and thus release many health damaging pollutants. While different gadgets have separate characteristic for optimum performance, their inefficient working can generate carbon monoxide inside the house, easily. Active and passive smoking inside the house can cause number of ailments, including asthma. The problem is aggravated when the building does not have proper ventilation. At the same time the possibility of diesel pollution can arise in case the building vent is near the exhaust system of a diesel generator. This can cause major health problems and the ventilation arrangement of the building should be immediately relocated, to escape this threat. The other causes of indoor pollution include storage of paints and chemicals in the house, as containers of these substances start leaking, after some time. The emerging gases and fumes cause lot of air pollution, which can result in developing allergic conditions and ailments. (Indoor Air Pollution) There are several elements that cause indoor air quality problems. These include the HVAC systems installed in certain buildings that can also cause pollution indoors, if it is not properly maintained. This may be due to the accumulation of dirt or dust in various components of the system and growth of microbiological compounds in drip pans, ducts, humidifiers or coils. The improper use of cleaning compounds and sealants in the system can cause formation of harmful chemicals, while combustion products would need proper ventilation. In addition, the refrigerant leaking from the system can also cause indoor air pollution.(Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality) However, volatile organic chemicals and molds are the major contributors to indoor pollution. Volatile organic compounds and associated risks These chemicals are volatile due to the fact they evaporate and mix with the indoor air, very easily. Different volatile organic compounds are used in the manufacture of heavy indoor furnishings, building material, office equipment, personal-care goods, cleaners and pesticides. According to US Environmental Protection Agency, the presence of these chemicals is much larger inside the buildings, than outside. While at high concentration levels these chemicals can become toxic, even smaller concentration of same can cause various ailments like headache, nausea, dizziness and irritation of eye, throat and nose. As they are organic chemicals, these compounds contain carbon and due its inflammable property many such chemicals are easily burnt. The reaction produces chemicals, which include formaldehyde, butoxyethanol, isopentane, limonene, methylene chloride, toluene, styrene and xylenes. Studies have shown that air form human breath exhales also contain small amounts of volatile organic compounds, which invisibly pollute our indoor air. These studies further confirm that cancer patients exhale such chemicals more than normal people. While the total of all volatile organic compounds (TVOC) is measured in units of microgram per cubic meter of air, the level of TVOC can indicate the presence of these chemicals in a building. The newly constructed buildings have higher levels of TVOC, while 200-500 ug/cubicmeters is generally accepted as normal concentration of these chemicals. However, some residential units can have higher levels, going up to 1000ug/meter cube, due to frequent use of cleaners, routine products and cooking. Studies conducted for indoor air pollution in Mumbai, India revealed that concentration of Toluene was high in the rooms and halls that were recently renovated. Those kitchens which used kerosene stove had high levels of benzene, as the same was caused by indoor smoking. While the concentration of VOCs varied with use of different gadgets and devices, the same was noticed higher during the painting of house and rooms. However, it varied with the type of paint used in the process, as each one caused VOC concentration of varied degree.(Pandit and others, 2000) Accordingly, several recommendations have been made for managing the TVOC levels in building for better quality of indoor air. As per report prepared by National Research Council Canada, the main recommendations for managing VOCs in buildings include, operation of HAVC system with a ventilation rate of around 40cfm, locating air intakes at higher levels in the building, controlling ventilation rates through the use of occupant-created carbon dioxide. In addition, it recommends the development of preventive maintenance plan for each building.(Shaw & others, 2005) Molds—associated risks Molds grow almost everywhere, as presence of moisture and oxygen cause their growth. Hence, they are found in household items like wood furniture, paper, carpets, furnishings; because of excessive moisture content found in the surrounding environment. If the moisture problem, like dampness, in residential and office/school buildings is not addressed properly, it can result in rapid growth of mold. Although it may not be possible to totally control the indoor mold growth, the same can be eliminated, largely, by controlling the moisture content in the concerned area.(The key to mold control) As allergens are found on spores, the associated molds have the potential of causing allergic ailments to human beings. The allergic reactions, caused due to this can result in running nose, throat irritation, coughing and sneezing. Some species of molds like Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and others produce mycotoxins that can adversely affect our health. Conclusion As described above, there is a genuine risk of indoor air pollution, which can cause serious health hazard. The presence of Molds and Volatile Organic Chemicals are certainly a threat to our health as the first causality can be our lungs and respiratory system, which get effected by inhaling of such compounds. Therefore, prevention being better than cure, it is essential to take necessary steps for proper ventilation of our homes, along with careful use of household items and devices. 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