Priorities for Research in the Field of Indoor Air Pollution

Abstract

At present, priorities are determined by the availability of research methods and facilities geared to selected kinds of research, the special interests of scientists, political activists and the vendors of indoor ventilation systems. However, priorities should be determined on the basis of a realistic appraisal of the incidence and severity of disease attributable to poor indoor air quality. Lists of priorities determined on this latter basis differ widely according to climate, location and affluence. In wealthy Western countries with temperate climates, exposure to the allergenic faeces of bed mites is the most serious and widespread health problem. In cities in developing countries with hot climates, the mixing of indoor air with outdoor air polluted by traffic and industrial fumes is usually the most serious single problem. By contrast, in poor cold locations, exposure to carbon monoxide and heating and cooking fumes in poorly ventilated or wholly unventilated dwellings comes to the top of the problem list. Further research on sick building syndrome, radon, formaldehyde, fibrous dusts and environmental tobacco smoke merits little priority in relation to the most serious indoor air quality problems found in developing countries.

Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Indoor Pollen in a Hospital

“…The vegetation surrounding the places sampled in those papers is not reported, but in our case there were abundant ornamental trees and shrubs, mainly Cupressaceae ( Platycladus orientalis, Cupressus arizonica, C. sempervirens ), which would be the origin of the main pollen types found. One must therefore accept that major mixing of indoor and outdoor air is occurring, which is one of the most serious problems of indoor air quality [36]. …”

Numerical Investigation of Indoor CO2 Concentration Distribution in an Apartment

“…In particular, gas fire use, wood burning in fireplaces or stoves and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are the principal indoor combustion sources [10]. Cooking could generate a number of organic, inorganic and particulate emissions [11][12][13], which could have an adverse impact on occupant's health [14][15][16]. According to the US EPA particle total exposure assessment methodology (PTEAM) study, cooking is the second largest identified indoor source of pollution [17].…”