TheBreathedEnvironmentIndoors
ProfessorPaulHarrisonIEHConsultingLtd
“Betterhomes,betterair,betterhealth”12April2017
Thebreathedenvironmentconsistsofarangeofmicroenvironmentsthroughwhichanindividualmoves,livesandbreathesthroughthecourseofaday- andindeedthroughouthisorherlife.
Outdoorairisimportantandinfluencesthequalityoftheairindoors.Butitisindoorsthatwespendthemajorityofourtime,andindoorenvironmentshavetheirownsignificantsourcesofcontaminants.
Thefocustodayisthehomeenvironment.
Introduction
‘Natural’sources
• Petsandvermin• Insectsandarachnids,especiallyhousedustmites• Bacteriaandmoulds• Flowersandpottedplants• Soilandbedrock• Peoplethemselves
Pollutionsourcesinthehome(1)
Anthropogenicsources• Tobaccoproducts• Combustionappliances– fires,stoves,boilers,etc.• Candlesetc.• Buildingproducts• Furnitureandfurnishings• Decorativematerials• ‘DIY’products• Cleaningandotherhouseholdproducts• Airfresheners• Electricalequipment• Personalcareproducts
Pollutionsourcesinthehome (2)
o Second-handtobaccosmokeo Combustionproducts– CO,CO2,NOx,PM10,etco Biologicalallergens– fromhousedustmites,moulds,
etc.o Formaldehydeo Volatileorganiccompounds(VOCs)o Polycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs)o Ozoneo Lead
Keyindoorairpollutantsinthehome(1)
o PCBso Fireretardantchemicals– e.g.organobromineso Phthalateso Pesticideso Mineraldustsandfibreso Radono Methaneo Productsofrespirationo Secondarypollutantsformedby‘indoorchemistry’
Keyindoorairpollutantsinthehome(2)
• Temperature• Humidity/Condensation• Ventilationvs.Energyconservation• Buildingdesignandconstruction• Location• Personalbehaviours• Climatechange
Influencingfactors