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• Sources of indoor air pollutants

  • Building and insulation materials
  • Biogenic pollutants
  • Combustion by-products
  • Home furnishings and cleaning agents
  • Radon gas
  • Tobacco smoke
• Asbestos

  A naturally occurring mineral fiber identified as a Class A carcinogen by the EPA. Harmless if intact and left alone, but when disturbed, inhaled airborne fibers can cause serious health problems
• Biogenic pollutants

  Airborne materials of biological origin such as living and nonliving fungi and their toxins, bacteria, viruses, molds, pollens, insect parts, and animal dander. Can trigger allergic reactions, cause infectious illnesses, or release disease-producing toxins
• Reducing biogenic pollutants

  1. Relative humidity level of 30% to 50% recommended

  2. Remove standing water and any wet or water damaged material at home

  3. Regular inspection of house by someone knowledgeable about indoor air pollutions
• Combustion by-products

  Include gases (e.g., CO, NO2, and SO2) and particulates (e.g., ash and soot). Major sources are fireplaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters, candles, incense, secondhand tobacco smoke, and improperly maintained gas stoves and furnaces
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

  Compounds that exist as vapors over the normal range of air pressures and temperatures. Example: Formaldehyde
• Sources of water pollution

  • Any physical or chemical change in water that can harm living organisms or make the water unfit for various uses such as drinking, domestic use, recreation, fishing, industry, agriculture, or transportation
• Point source pollution

  Refers to a single identifiable source that discharges pollutants into the water, such as a pipe, ditch, or culvert. Relatively easy to identify, control, and treat
• Nonpoint source pollution

  All pollution that occurs through the runoff, seepage, or falling of pollutants into the water where the source is difficult or impossible to identify
• Types of water pollutants

  • Biological pollutants
  • Waterborne Viruses
  • Waterborne Parasites
• Waterborne Viruses

  • Poliovirus
  • Hepatitis A virus
• Waterborne Viruses

  • Pathogen: Poliovirus, Hepatitis A virus
  • Disease/Condition: Polio, Hepatitis A
• Waterborne Parasites

  • Pathogen: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum
  • Disease/Condition: Amoebiasis, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidiosis