Indoor air pollution

Indoor air pollution is contamination of air inside buildings by harmful particles and gases. Its sources include combustion, building materials, household products, and outdoor pollutants that enter indoors.

Particulate matter: A mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in air. Combustion, cooking, and dust release particles that can remain airborne indoors.
Indoor air quality: The condition of air within and around buildings, especially as it affects occupants’ health and comfort. Pollution is one major dimension of the broader assessment of indoor air.
Environmental tobacco smoke: Airborne gases and particles released by tobacco smoking and exhaled by smokers. It is a well-studied indoor mixture linked to substantial health harm.
Asthma: A chronic respiratory disease involving inflamed, narrowed airways and episodes of breathing difficulty. Indoor allergens and irritants can trigger symptoms or worsen asthma.
Volatile organic compounds: Carbon-containing chemicals that readily evaporate into air at ordinary temperatures. Paints, furnishings, cleaners, and other products can release these gases indoors.
Air purifier: A device that removes or reduces airborne contaminants using filters or other treatment methods. Portable and built-in purifiers can reduce selected indoor particles or gases.
Mold: Fungi that grow as multicellular filaments and reproduce through airborne spores. Damp buildings can support mold growth and release spores and fragments indoors.
Lung cancer: A cancer that begins in the tissues of the lungs. Radon and secondhand smoke are established indoor exposure risks for this disease.
Radon: A radioactive, odorless gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep through foundations and accumulate in poorly ventilated buildings.
HEPA filter: A mechanical air filter that captures at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter under specified test conditions. It is widely used to remove fine particles from indoor air.

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