Indoor Residential Air Quality Has Significant Impact On Health

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture;  Smoking / Quit Smoking;  Lung Cancer
Article Date: 15 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Indoor air quality has a greater impact on health than outdoor air quality, as North American adults spend almost 90% of their time indoors. Exposure to chemical and biological contaminants and possible cancer-causing agents is possible, and can contribute to the risk of developing respiratory and neurologic symptoms, allergies, asthma and lung cancer.

Researchers at the University of Ottawa; the Environmental Health Sciences Bureau (Canada); the Air Health Effects Division, Water, Air and Climate Change Bureau; and Health Canada review sources, health effects and control strategies for several major sources of residential indoor contaminants. This information is useful for both homeowners and physicians in helping prevent and treat possible health problems.

Exposure to second hand smoke and radon are the most common causes of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.

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Source: Joey Rathwell
Canadian Medical Association Journal

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