Chapter Twenty Three
Indoor Air Pollution
LEARNING OBJECTIVES Indoor air pollution from fires for cooking and heating has existed and affected human health for thousands of years. Today lack of adequate ventilation in many energy-efficient homes and offices has increased the risk from pollutants. This section should foster your understanding of the concepts and material covered in the book regarding indoor air pollutants, including radon gas and why it is perhaps one of our most serious environmental health problems. A CLOSER LOOK - Is Radon Gas Dangerous? People today are anxious
and worried about radon gas in homes because studies have shown that exposure
to elevated concentrations of radon is associated with increased risk of
lung cancer. It is believed that the risk increases with the level
of exposure to radon, the length of exposure, and a person's personal habits,
such as smoking. |
