Indoor Air Pollution Air quality in buildings can be worse than outside due to substances found in carpet, furniture, paint, etc. n Ventilation is key to controlling n Sick-building syndrome- Buildings that are securely sealed and harbor mold, fungi, etc. n n Common in hot or cold areas
Indoor Air Pollution n Radon gas- Colorless, tasteless, and odorless n n Produced by decay of Uranium Seeps up through cracks and holes where it adheres to dust Destroys genetic material in lung cells 2 nd-leading cause of lung cancer
Indoor Air Pollution n Asbestos- Long, thin fibers valued for their strength n n n Used as insulation and fire retardant Banned in early 1970 s Cut and scar lungs- Asbestosis Trouble breathing n Eventual heart failure n
Noise Pollution n Sound measured in decibels (d. B) n n n Intensity-loudness 120 d. B causes pain with continuous exposure causing permanent deafness Unneeded noise can cause health problems n n n Loss of hearing High blood pressure Stress
Light Pollution n No direct hazard to human health Inefficient lighting diminishes view of night sky Inefficient lighting is energy waste n n n Light directed upward is lost into space Downward light is best Energy efficient light includes: n n Not using when not needed Low pressure sodium sources