Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
and wallpaper, urethane-formaldehyde insulation, fin-
gernail hardener, and wrinkle-free coating on perma-
nent-press clothing (Figure 15-12). The EPA estimates
that as many as 1 of every 5,000 people who live in
manufactured homes for more than 10 years will de-
velop cancer from formaldehyde exposure.
In developing countries, the indoor burning of
wood, charcoal, dung, crop residues, and coal in open
fires or in unvented or poorly vented stoves for cook-
ing and heating exposes inhabitants to high levels of
particulate air pollution. According to the World Bank,
as many as 2.8 million people (most of them women
and children) in developing countries die prematurely
each year from breathing elevated levels of such in-
door smoke. Indoor air pollution for the poor is by far the
world's most serious air pollution problem —a glaring ex-
ample of the relationship between poverty and envi-
ronmental quality.
Science Case Study: Exposure to Radioactive
Radon Gas
Radon-222, a radioactive gas found in some soil and
rocks, can seep into some houses and increase the risk
of lung cancer.
Radon-222—a naturally occurring radioactive gas that
you cannot see, taste, or smell—is produced by the ra-
dioactive decay of uranium-238. Most soils and rocks
contain small amounts of uranium-238. This isotope is,
however, much more concentrated in underground
deposits of minerals such as uranium, phosphate,
granite, and shale.
Chloroform
Source: Chlorine-treated water in
hot showers
Possible threat: Cancer
Para-dichlorobenzene
Source: Air fresheners
mothball crystals
Threat: Cancer
Tetrachloroethylene
Source: Dry-cleaning
fluid fumes on clothes
Threat: Nerve disorders,
damage to liver and
kidneys, possible cancer
Formaldehyde
Source: Furniture stuffing,
paneling, particleboard,
foam insulation
Threat: Irritation of eyes,
throat, skin, and lungs;
nausea; dizziness
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Source: Aerosol sprays
Threat: Dizziness,
irregular breathing
Styrene
Source: Carpets,
plastic products
Threat: Kidney and
liver damage
Nitrogen oxides
Source: Unvented gas
stoves and kerosene
heaters, woodstoves
Threat: Irritated lungs,
children's colds,
headaches
Benzo- α -pyrene
Source: Tobacco smoke,
woodstoves
Threat: Lung cancer
Particulates
Source: Pollen, pet
dander, dust mites,
cooking smoke particles
Threat: Irritated lungs,
asthma attacks, itchy
eyes, runny nose,
lung disease
Tobacco smoke
Source: Cigarettes
Threat: Lung cancer,
respiratory ailments,
heart disease
Radon-222
Source: Radioactive soil
and rock surrounding
foundation, water supply
Threat: Lung cancer
Asbestos
Source: Pipe insulation, vinyl
ceiling and floor tiles
Threat: Lung disease, lung cancer
Carbon monoxide
Source: Faulty furnaces,
unvented gas stoves and
kerosene heaters,
woodstoves
Threat: Headaches,
drowsiness, irregular
heartbeat, death
Methylene chloride
Source: Paint strippers and thinners
Threat: Nerve disorders, diabetes
Figure 15-12 Science: Some important indoor air pollutants. Critical thinking: which of these are you probably
exposed to? (Data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
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