Saturday, 2 February 2013

How to Prevent Indoor Air Pollution

By Brad Near


The question is, "Just what CAN you do to prevent indoor air pollution?"

Nations of the world are seeing the negative health effects of indoor air pollution.

As governments do, laws are being passed by legislative bodies forcing reduction of emissions. Educators are doing their part, sometimes at student's very young ages. Groups utilizing science are studying the damaging effects on plants, animals and human life.

Measuring and assessment are the first steps in solving the problem. Through scientific research new standards have been developed for measuring the amount of serious air pollutants.

Knowing the quantities science can then concentrate on how much exposure to pollutants is harmful.

Once exposure levels have been set, steps can be undertaken to reduce exposure to air pollution. These can be accomplished by regulation of man-made pollution through legislation.

Progress is being made in those countries that started setting controls on pollution emissions from the transportation industry. This has required cooperation and coordination of multiple governmental agencies.

At the United Nations, the Atmosphere Management Program carries out worldwide environmental projects.

The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with such matters in the United States.

We see many states and local governmental agencies participating in monitoring the effects of indoor air pollution and outdoor air pollution.

Possibly the most important result of all these activities is prevention of air pollution.

In addition, it is possible to prevent many types of air pollution that are not regulated through personal, careful attention to our interactions with the environment. In the United States, most household products come with instructions about safe use.

Building materials should be reviewed for potential harmful effects. Information on building materials can be found in LBNL's Center for Building Science newsletter. Additional information is available from Eco Tech.

Having fresh air being introduced into a home or office is a key factor in controlling indoor air pollution. Home and offices can use exhaust and air exchanging units to keep indoor air fresh. New technology is now available in the form of small indoor air purification systems that recreate the effects of Mother Nature in purifying the air.

It is now known that cigarette smoke is one of the most dangerous pollutants. Legislation has been passed in much of the country making it illegal to smoke in public areas. Regardless, if you enter an area that has cigarette smoke the best policy is to leave it.

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) can provide additional information about the dangers of "secondhand" cigarette smoke.

Only through the efforts of scientists, business leaders, legislators, and individuals can we reduce the amount of air pollution on the planet. This challenge must be met by all of us in order to assure that a healthy environment will exist for ourselves and our children.

The ball is now in your court. You see the basic problem. Start doing your own research and concentrate on what you can do personally to prevent air pollution.




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