Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
the risk of breast cancer in females. Although animal studies indicate that
risks may be real, no definitive studies have been conducted to show endo-
crine disruptive effects in humans. The issue of environmental exposure to
endocrine disruptors is relatively new, and additional studies are needed to
determine whether low-level exposures to chlorinated hydrocarbons such
as chlordane, heptachlor, PCP, and others have any adverse reproductive
effects or increased cancer risks in humans.
Several recent studies have attempted to evaluate the potential relation-
ship between exposure to pesticides (e.g., chlorpyrifos) and allergens (e.g.,
house dust mites). Although early studies indicate that such exposures may
increase allergy symptoms, they should be judged to be preliminary, with
additional studies needed to confirm relationships and determine their
mechanism of action (if any relationship is found).
Readings
Brown, S.K. et al., Concentrations of volatile organic compounds in indoor air — a
review, Indoor Air , 4:123, 1994.
Godish, T., Aldehydes, in Indoor Air Quality Handbook , Spengler, J.D., Samet, J.M., and
McCarthy, J., Eds., McGraw-Hill Publishers, New York, 2000, chap. 32.
Godish, T., Formaldehyde — sources and levels, Comments in Toxicology , 2, 115, 1988.
Lewis, F., Pesticides, in Indoor Air Quality Handbook , Spengler, J.D., Samet, J.M., and
McCarthy, J., Eds., McGraw-Hill Publishers, New York, 2000, chap. 35.
Marbury, M.D. and Kreiger, R.A., Formaldehyde, in Indoor Air Pollution: A Health
Perspective , Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1991, 223.
Maroni, M., Siefert, B., and Lindvall, T., Indoor Air Quality. A Comprehensive Reference
Book , Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1995, chap. 2.
Molhave, L., The Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) caused by exposure to volatile
organic compounds, in The Practitioner's Approach to Indoor Air Quality, Proc.
Indoor Air Qual. Internatl. Symposium , Weekes, D.M. and Gammage, R.B., Eds.,
American Industrial Hygiene Association, Falls Church, VA, 1990, 1.
Molhave, L., Volatile organic compounds, indoor air quality and health, Indoor Air ,
1, 387, 1991.
National Research Council (Committee on Aldehydes), Formaldehyde and Other Alde-
hydes, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1991.
Spengler, J.D., Samet, J.M., and McCarthy, J.F., Eds., Indoor Air Quality Handbook ,
McGraw-Hill Publishers, New York, 2000, chaps. 20-25, 31-36.
Wallace, L.A., Volatile organic compounds, in Indoor Air Pollution. A Health Perspective ,
Samet, J.M. and Spengler, J.D., Eds., Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore,
1991, 253.
World Health Organization, Indoor air quality: organic pollutants, EURO Reports and
Studies 171 , WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 1989.
Questions
1. Describe major sources of formaldehyde exposure in buildings.
2. Characterize formaldehyde exposure potentials associated with UFFI houses,
new mobile homes, older mobile homes, tobacco smoking.
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