Acute Health Effects of Major Indoor Air Contaminants
Miscellaneous Inorganic Gases
- Includes ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide.
- Sources: Microfilm equipment, window cleaners, acid drain cleaners, combustion products, tobacco smoke, blue-print equipment.
- Acute health effects: Eye, respiratory tract, mucous membrane irritation; aggravation of chronic respiratory diseases.
Asbestos
- Sources: Insulation and other building materials such as floor tiles, dry wall compounds, reinforced plaster.
- Acute health effects: Asbestos is normally not a source of acute health effects. However, during renovation or maintenance operations, asbestos may be dislodged and become airborne. Evaluation of employee exposure to asbestos will normally be covered under the OSHA Asbestos standard.
Synthetic Fibers
- Sources: Fibrous glass and mineral wool.
- Acute health effects: Irritation to the eyes, skin and lungs; dermatitis.
Tobacco Smoke
- Sources: Cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco.
- Acute health effects: Tobacco smoke can irritate the respiratory system and, in allergic or asthmatic persons, often results in eye and nasal irritation, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, headache, and related sinus problems. People who wear contact lenses often complain of burning, itching, and tearing eyes when exposed to cigarette smoke. Tobacco smoke is a major contributor to indoor air quality problems. Tobacco smoke contains several hundred toxic substances including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, tars, and nicotine. Most indoor air particulates are due to tobacco smoke and are in the respirable range.
Microorganisms and Other Biological Contaminants (Microbials)
- Includes viruses, fungi, mold, bacteria, nematodes, amoeba, pollen, dander, and mites.
- Sources: Air handling system condensate, cooling towers, water damaged materials, high humidity indoor areas, damp organic material and porous wet surfaces, humidifiers, hot water systems, outdoor excavations, plants, animal excreta, animals and insects, food and food products.
- Acute health effects: Allergic reactions such as hypersensitivity diseases (hypersensitivity pneumonitis, humidifier fever, allergic rhinitis, etc.) and infections such as legionellosis are seen. Symptoms include chills, fever, muscle ache, chest tightness, headache, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, and nausea.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-5. Miscellaneous inorganic gases include _____.
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