Indoor air pollution

Journal Article · · N. England Reg. Allergy Proc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(82)90003-4· OSTI ID:5932271

Spengler, J D

Although official efforts to control air pollution have traditionally focused on outdoor air, it is now apparent that elevated contaminant concentrations are common inside some private and public buildings. Concerns about potential public health problems due to indoor air pollution are based on evidence that urban residents typically spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, concentrations of some contaminants are higher indoors than outdoors, and for some pollutants personal exposures are not characterized adequately by outdoor measurements. Among the more important indoor contaminants associated with health or irritation effects are passive tobacco smoke, radon decay products, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, asbestos fibers, microorganisms and aeroallergens. Efforts to assess health risks associated with indoor air pollution are limited by insufficient information about the number of people exposed, the pattern and severity of exposures, and the health consequences of exposures. An overall strategy should be developed to investigate indoor exposures, health effects, control options, and public policy alternatives.

• Research Organization: Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 5932271
• Journal Information: N. England Reg. Allergy Proc.; (United States), Journal Name: N. England Reg. Allergy Proc.; (United States) Vol. 6:2; ISSN NRAPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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AIR POLLUTION
ALDEHYDES
ASBESTOS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
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NONMETALS
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RADON
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