EFFECTS
OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION TO HUMAN HEALTH

Chaitramayee
Pradhan

Department
of Zoology

Given that most
individuals spend 90% of their time indoors, mostly at home or at work, the
circumstances of the indoor environment have a significant positive impact on
human welfare(1). IAP poses a major hazard to human health and is responsible
for millions of annual fatalities (2). Major indoor pollutants are particulate
matters  like Sulphates, nitrates,
endotoxin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals (iron, nickel,
copper, zinc, and vanadium) (3) , Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are
recognised as gases released from liquids or solids that include a variety of
chemicals such as formaldehyde (4) , NO According to research, indoor NO2 levels
are influenced by both outdoor and indoor sources. As a result, high outdoor
NO2 concentrations from sources such local traffic or combustion can have an
impact on inside NO2 levels. According to a survey, the amount of space between
buildings and traffic lanes significantly affects indoor NO2 levels (5) ,  Ozone which  speeds up reactions with a number of indoor
contaminants, but the byproducts of such reactions can irritate people and
harm.(6) , toxic metal  , radon and
biological products . IAQ in homes and buildings has declined over the years,
which has been related to a variety of symptoms and illnesses. The WHO defines
building-associated illness as any ailment brought on by indoor environmental
variables, which are typically split into two categories: Building-related
illnesses (BRI) and the sick building syndrome (SBS).  BRI identifies diseases and symptoms with a
known etiological caused by biological agents are more common, it is recognised
that causative agents can be chemicals such formaldehyde, xylene, insecticides,
and benzene. Cooling towers, humidifiers, filters, drain pans, wet surfaces,
and water-damaged building materials are typical sources of biological
pollutants that are released indoors in buildings(7). IAP effects often target
the respiratory system as their primary target since pollutants frequently
enter the human body through inhalation. Acute respiratory infections (ARIs)
and upper respiratory infections (URIs) can be distinguished based on the
region of the respiratory tract that is affected (8). According to reports,
particulate matters  can lead to CVDs by
increasing blood coagulability, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and
autonomic and vascular imbalance (9) .The release of endothelins, a family of
powerful vasoconstrictor molecules, as well as increases in fibrinogen,
platelet activity, plasma viscosity, and these parameters are all significantly
influenced by PM. Additionally, the presence of CO in indoor air is expected to
affect tissue oxygenation by influencing the synthesis of carboxyhemoglobin,
which has a significant impact on cardiovascular function (10).

REFERENCES

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