Critical review on emerging health effects associated with the indoor air quality and its sustainable management.

Sci Total Environ

Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Delhi 52, India; Department of Environmental Science, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi 110025, India. Electronic address:

Published: May 2023

AI Article Synopsis

  • Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly impacts health, yet many people lack awareness of its pollutants and health effects.
  • Common indoor pollutants include VOCs, particulate matter, and various gases that can lead to serious health issues like respiratory infections and cardiovascular disorders.
  • The review highlights the sources and toxic mechanisms of these pollutants, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like women and children, and discusses strategies for improving IAQ through sustainable practices and public policies.

Article Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the fundamental elements affecting people's health and well-being. Currently, there is a lack of awareness among people about the quantification, identification, and possible health effects of IAQ. Airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide (NO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) microbial spores, pollen, allergens, etc. primarily contribute to IAQ deterioration. This review discusses the sources of major indoor air pollutants, molecular toxicity mechanisms, and their effects on cardiovascular, ocular, neurological, women, and foetal health. Additionally, contemporary strategies and sustainable methods for regulating and reducing pollutant concentrations are emphasized, and current initiatives to address and enhance IAQ are explored, along with their unique advantages and potentials. Due to their longer exposure times and particular physical characteristics, women and children are more at risk for poor indoor air quality. By triggering many toxicity mechanisms, including oxidative stress, DNA methylation, epigenetic modifications, and gene activation, indoor air pollution can cause a range of health issues. Low birth weight, acute lower respiratory tract infections, Sick building syndromes (SBS), and early death are more prevalent in exposed residents. On the other hand, the main causes of incapacity and early mortality are lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disorders. It's crucial to acknowledge anticipated research needs and implemented efficient interventions and policies to lower health hazards.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162163DOI Listing

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