Lim, Mary Llamas, Camilla

Lim, Phoebe Llego, Nasreen

Lim, Syndel Lopez, Camille

Lipana, Kirk Lopez-Dee, Bernadette

Liu, Johanna Lorenzo, Adrian

Sec C – Group 2

all physical (particulate matter), chemical, and biological agents that modify the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

contamination of the air by noxious gases and minute particles of solid and liquid matter (particulates) in concentrations that endanger health.

Combustion of gasoline and other hydrocarbon fuels in automobiles, trucks, jet airplanes produces:nitrogen oxidesgaseous hydrocarbonscarbon monoxide large quantities of particulates (lead)

Burning of fossil fuels (oil and coal) in generating stations, factories, office buildings, and homes

Incineration of garbage Uninsulated high-voltage power lines

ionize the adjacent air, forming ozone and other hazardous pollutants

Air pollutants from other sources: insecticides herbicides radioactive falloutdust from fertilizers, mining operations, and

livestock feedlots

Gases most are invisible to the naked eye, with

the exception of nitrogen dioxide, which has a brownish color.

Aerosolsconsist of either solid materials or liquid

droplets such as sulfuric acid.

OZONE (O3)  PARTICULATE MATTER AIR

POLLUTION (PM)  NITROGEN DIOXIDE(NO2)  SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO2)  CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)  LEAD 

Most chemically active form of oxygen

Formed by photochemical reaction of VOCs, NO2 + O2

Requires sunlight for formation

Peaks late afternoon

Maximum in hot, stagnant air

*VOCs-volatile organic compounds

“Good” ozone – upper atmosphere naturally occurring

form of oxygen that provides a protective layer shielding the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

“Bad” ozone – lower atmosphere major component of

urban smog and a potent respiratory irritant

Primary sources: motor vehicle

exhaust, powerplants, gas stations, etc.

Health effects: powerful oxidant, lung irritation and

inflammation, impaired

pulmonary function, eyes, nose, throat

irritation

To determine whether changes in lung function or respiratory symptoms would occur over the course of a summer among healthy young adults working outdoors in the presence of ozone.

The study followed 72 sophomore cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point,New York, during their summer training.

All the subjects on average experienced a decline in lung function over the course of the summer. There were also significant increases in reports of cough, chest tightness, and sore throat.

Kinney, P.L. and Lippmann, M. Respiratory Effects of Seasonal Exposures to Ozone and Particles. Archives of Environmental Health, Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 210-216, May/June 2000.

Complex mixture of particles that can be solid, liquid or both

Includes carbon-based particles, dust and acid aerosols

Vary in size, composition, and origin

Primary particles (from combustion sources):carbonaceous core with chemicals (such as

sulfates, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)

Secondary particles formed by chemical reactions in the

atmosphere of primary particles with gases (such as nitric oxides, ozone and sulfur oxides) leading to formation of nitrates and ammonia.

Sources: burning of fuels or

dust from construction or mining

dirt, soot, smoke, and even liquid droplets emitted from factory smokestacks

Coarse particles (2.5–10 micrometres) deposited in the upper respiratory tract and large airways

Fine particles (< 2.5 micrometres) may reach terminal bronchioles and alveoli

PM10 - particles with diameter >10 µm (course particles)PM2.5 - particles with diameter >2.5 µm (fine particulates)PM0.1 - particles with diameter >0.1 µm (ultrafine particulates)

Health effects:Fine particles deposit in distal airways: Increased acute respiratory morbidity (pneumonia, asthma)

Decreased lung growth and function

Increased mortality (premature death, heart attacks and lung cancer)

To investigate the relationship between daily particulate matter (PM10) exposures with admissions and medical visits (emergency room, urgent care, and family practice) for respiratory and cardiovascular disease in Pocatello and Chubbuck, Idaho (population about 60,000), from November 1994 through March 2000.

In single-pollutant models, respiratory disease admissions and visits increased (7.1–15.4% per 50 g/m3 PM10) for each age group analyzed, with the highest increases in two groups, children and especially the elderly.

Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology (2007) 17, 478–487; published online 14 February 2007

Forms when fossil fuels are burned at high temperatures

Brownish, acidic gas that also reacts with other gases to form ozone and smog

Sources: Power plants, industry Motor vehicles Natural sources

(volcanoes, lightning, bacteria)

Most combustion processes produce nitrogen monoxide (NO) which through oxidation processes results in nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen dioxide combines with oxygen in the presence of sunlight to form ozone.

Health effects:Emphysema in animalsDecrements in lung functionIncreased airway reactivityIncreased susceptibility to infection

To see if NO2 increases the risk of airways

obstruction when asthmatic children develop upper respiratory infections.

114 asthmatic children aged 7-12 years were followed for a total of up to 13 months

The findings give some support to the hypothesis that NO2 increases the risk of asthmatic exacerbations following respiratory

infections, even at relatively low levels of exposure.

2000 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & British Thoracic Society.Thorax 2000;55:930-933 (November)

Formed by the burning of sulfur containing fuels such as coal and oil

Sources: Combustion of sulfur-

containing coal or oil Industrial processes,

melting of sulfur-containing ores

Natural sources (volcanoes)

Combines with water to form H2SO4 (acid aerosol, acid rain)

Health effects:Gas is upper airway irritant

Primarily affects nasopharynx and proximal airways

Acid aerosol particles reach distal airways bronchoconstriction slowing of bronchial mucociliary

clearance chronic bronchitis

To determine the secretory activity in experimental bronchitis with proximity to human conditions concerning hypersecretion and morphological changes.

Animals were exposed to five different concentrations of SO2 and significant differences were found between the exposure and control groups.

25 days lasting period of exposure to 20 ppm of SO2 leads to a experimental model of COPD which does not only show morphological signs of the disease but also included the predominant clinical feature of mucus hypersecretion

J Occup Med Toxicol. 2006; 1: 12. Published online 2006 June 7.

Invisible, odorless, poisonous gas

Produced by the incomplete burning of carbon in fuels

At low levels of exposure- poisonous, creating headaches, nausea and sleepiness

At higher levels- life-threatening

Sources: Incomplete

combustion of fuels

Vehicle exhaust IndustryFires

Health effects:Combines with

hemoglobin in blood

Reduces oxygen-carrying capacity

At higher risk: children with anemia, heart disease or chronic lung disease

AtmosphericCO (ppm)

COHb inBlood (%)

Symptoms

70 10 Shortness of breath upon vigorous exertion;

possible tightness across the forehead.

120 20 Shortness of breath with moderate exertion;

occasional headache with throbbing in the

temples.

220 30 Decided headache; irritability; easily

fatigued; disturbed judgment; possible

dizziness; dimness of vision.

350-520 40-50 Headache; confusion; collapse; fainting upon

exertion.

800-1220 60-70 Unconsciousness; intermittent convulsions;

respiratory failure; death if exposure is

prolonged

1950 80 Rapidly fatal.

Highly toxic metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured products

Sources: Tetraethyl lead in

petrol Mining and smelting of

lead ores Industry Waste incineration Dust (e.g. homes with

old lead-based paint, battery recycling, smelters)

Health Effects: Interferes with

many enzyme systems Haem synthesis Neurotoxic effects Blood pressure

Most severe effects in infants and young children

Outdoor source Moist Things or Humid Environments

mold spores, bacteria, and mildew thrive in dampened towels, wash cloths, and moist or humid areas

Petsanimal dander (old skin scales which are

constantly shed) is a common trigger for allergies and asthma

feces from pet Insects & Other Bugs

leave feces throughout the home end up in the air we breathe

In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, more than half the homes tested in the study had high numbers of cockroaches.

Children living in these homes were more than three times as likely to be hospitalized for asthma.

Outdoor source Dust

about 40 pounds of dust is generated per 1,500 square feet per year in a home

each speck of dust serves as a means of getting into your lungs - about 40,000 dust mites and illness-causing bacteria, germs, and viruses

VehiclesExhaust and gasoline fumes from cars in front of

you in traffic come right in virtually unfiltered causing drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and behavior

problems  

Building Factors Carpet, Plywood, and Other Construction Materials

"new" smell associated with new carpet, newly painted walls, new home, remodeled room - out gassing of chemical solutions used to treat or produce these products

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) systems

strip air of the natural elements

air ducts - prime breeding ground for mold spores

Human Activities Smoking

leaves air dense with cancer-causing toxins even by smoking outside, toxins from the 3600

chemicals emitted as a result of tobacco smoke cling to the clothing release themselves into the air once inside

"second-hand smoke" - four times more carcinogenic than smoke inhaled directly from a cigarette because smoker is breathing it through a filter - those around him are not

Human Activities Miscellaneous Sources

perfumes, topical creams and medications, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, odors, chemicals from hobbies like photography and model building, ceramic glazes, oil paints, dusty closets, plastic shades, synthetic toys, moldy/dusty wallpaper, cosmetics, nail care products, scented candles, etc. leaves air dense with cancer-causing toxins

Economic FactorsSolid fuel dependency exacerbates

deforestation contributing to build-up of greenhouse gasses, particularly carbon dioxide, in the earth's atmosphere, and thus to global climate change

Asbestosmineral fiber that has been used commonly in a

variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant

Sourcesdeteriorating or damaged insulation,

fireproofing, or acoustical materials

Health Effectschest and abdominal cancers and lung diseases

(smokers at higher risk)

Steps to Reduce Exposure Leave undamaged asbestos material alone if it is not likely

to be disturbed.

Follow proper procedures in replacing wood stove door gaskets that may contain asbestos

Remove asbestos by a trained contractor or develop a maintenance plan      

Encapsulate materials containing asbestos.

Biological Pollutantscontaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen.

Sources humans, pets, moist surfaces, humidifiers,

ventilation systems, drip pans, cooling coils in air handling units, plants, outside air

Health Effects From Biological Contaminantsallergic reactions, including hypersensitivity

pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, Legionnaires' disease, humidifier fever, influenza, and some types of asthma.

Reducing Exposure to Biological ContaminantsInstall and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.

Keep the house clean. House dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning.  

Carbon Monoxide (CO)odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is

impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.

Sourcesunvented kerosene and gas space heaters;

leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. 

Health Effects eye, nose, and throat irritation, impaired lung

function and respiratory function in children, bronchitis, lung cancer, flu-like symptoms

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. 

Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. Consider purchasing a vented space heater

when replacing an unvented one. Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters. Install and use an exhaust fan vented to

outdoors over gas stoves.

Formaldehydeis an important chemical used widely by industry to

manufacture building materials and numerous household products.

Sourcespressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall

paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) and furniture made with these pressed wood products; urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI); combustion sources and environmental tobacco smoke; durable press drapes, other textiles, and glues

Health Effectscan cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the

eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels, fatigue, rashes, and allergic reactions; death at very high concentration.

Steps to Reduce ExposureUse "exterior-grade" pressed wood products

(lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins).

Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels.

Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.

Use products with lower emission rates of formaldehyde.     

Keep humidity low in house.       Prevent aging or baking of products.

Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs)

volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids

Sourceshousehold products including: paints,

paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.

Health Effectsconjunctival irritation, nose and throat

discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness

Steps to Reduce ExposureIncrease ventilation when using products that emit

VOCs. Meet or exceed any label precautions. Do not store opened containers of unused paints and similar materials within the home.

Use in well-ventilated areas or outdoors.       Hang dry cleaned clothes in an open area for

about 6 hours.

Lead (Pb) long been recognized as a harmful environmental

pollutant

Sourceslead-based paint, contaminated soil, dust, and drinking

water

Health Effectslead affects practically all systems within the body; at high

levels (at or above 80 micrograms per deciliter of blood) can cause convulsions, coma, and death

Steps to Reduce ExposureKeep areas where children play as dust-free and clean as possible. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition; do not

sand or burn off paint that may contain lead. Do not remove lead paint yourself.

Pesticideschemical that kills plants or animals that compete for humanity's food supply or are otherwise undesirableproducts used most often are insecticides and disinfectants

Health Effectsirritation to eye, nose, and throat; damage to

central nervous system and kidney; increased risk of cancer; symptoms include headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea; chronic exposure to some pesticides can result in damage to the liver, kidneys, endocrine and nervous systems

Steps to Reduce ExposureUse strictly according to manufacturer's

directions. Mix or dilute outdoors. Apply only in recommended quantities. Increase ventilation when using indoors.

Take plants or pets outdoors when applying pesticides/flea and tick treatments.

Use non-chemical methods of pest control where possible.

Do not store unneeded pesticides inside home; dispose of unwanted containers safely.

Secondhand Tobacco Smokea mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end

of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the smoke exhaled by smokers

Sourcescigarettes, cigars, and pipes

Health Effectseye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and

pneumonia; increased risk of respiratory and ear infections in children; lung cancer and increased risk of heart disease

Steps to Reduce ExposureKeep your home and car smoke-free.Discourage others from smoking .Isolate smokers outdoors .

an illness or combination of ailments (syndrome) affecting workers in office buildings, characterized by skin irritations, headache, and respiratory problems, and thought to be caused by indoor pollutants, microorganisms, or inadequate ventilation

used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified

complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building

generally experience symptoms related to : eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

may complain of overall symptoms such as feeling very tired

symptoms have no other known cause or explanation

symptoms – reversible report relief soon after leaving the building

Inadequate ventilation reduced outdoor air ventilation rates - inadequate to

maintain health and comfort of building occupants may also occur if heating, ventilating, and air

conditioning (HVAC) systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) - recently revised its ventilation standard: minimum of 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of outdoor air per person (20 cfm/person in office spaces)

Chemical contaminants from indoor sources

e.g. adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit VOCs, including formaldehyde

environmental tobacco smoke - contributes high levels of VOCs

combustion products – e.g. carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves

Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources

pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts; plumbing vents, and building exhausts (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) - can enter building through poorly located air intake vents, windows, and other openings

combustion products from a nearby garage

Biological contaminants bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts,

humidifiers and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation

insects or bird droppings - can be a source of biological contaminants

physical symptoms related to biological contamination - cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion

Pollutant source removal or modification Increasing ventilation rates Replacement of water-stained ceiling tiles and

carpeting Institution of smoking restrictions. Use paints, adhesives, solvents, and pestidices in

well-ventilated areas, and use of these pollutant sources during periods of non-occupancy

Proper and frequent maintenance of HVAC systems

Fitting easy to clean air supply diffusers and ductwork like a textile diffuser

Education and communication

Thank you!