Sources and Effects
Most Common Pollutants and Sources
Radon Gas
Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas that is produced from the radioactive decay of uranium to stable lead. It enters buildings through three main methods:
There are many construction methods to prevent radon gas from entering buildings:
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Sick Building Syndrome
Sick building syndrome occurs in buildings where people experience negative health effects, but the source of these symptoms cannot be identified. There are several causes:
There may also be other explanations:
- Poor ventilation systems: do not effectively remove air pollutants or circulate air
- Indoor chemical contaminants: can come from cleaning agents, space heaters, stoves, copy machines, and materials
- Outdoor chemical contaminants: enter the building from outdoor air and accumulate in the ventilation systems
There may also be other explanations:
- Effect of multiple contaminants
- Environmental stress from sources such as noise or lighting
- Employment stress ("Indoor Air Facts," 1991)
Indoor Air Solutions
There are many solutions for indoor air pollution:
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Case Study
School's have been known to cause sick building syndrome, where a child may sometimes appear ill and develop symptoms, while no source is identified. More children have been showing these symptoms and it can be attributed to the cutbacks in school funding which restrict replacements of materials and building materials. Mold, dust, and insects/rodents that can carry other particulates and pollutants from the outside, all contribute to this sickness. (Martin, 2012)
http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/14/health/school-indoor-air-pollution/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/14/health/school-indoor-air-pollution/index.html