Air pollution is the contamination of air by the discharge of harmful substances.
Indoor Pollutions
There are many sources of indoor air pollution.
Tobacco smoke
cooking
heating appliances
vapors from building materials, paints, furniture
other materials within the home that emit unhealthy chemicals
Explanation
While air pollution is thought to be a problem related to outdoor air, the same pollutants can be found indoors. We spend up to 60% of our time indoors and our homes are not always the safe places we would like them to be.
These chemicals, some of which are called volatile organic compounds (VOC) can cause ill health and they are found in carpets, chipboard, furnishing fabrics, clothing pesticides, cleaning products, toiletries, cosmetics and hobby products.
Pollution exposure at home and work is often greater than outdoors. The California Air Resources Board estimates that indoor air pollutant levels are 25-62% greater than outside levels and can pose serious health problems.
