FROM THE ENVIRONMENT TO THE 'IN'VIRONMENT

The world had long ago recognized the problems associated with pollution in the air that we breathe. Over the last century, most of the efforts on research and control air pollution have focussed on outdoor air. In recent years, however, the world focus has shifted to the air we breathe indoors. The question being asked is 'Do you realize that the indoor air could be more polluted than outdoor air?

Strange as it may sound to us, but the fact remains that the air that we breathe working or living in, 85% of the time in conditioned space may be more injurious to health than outdoor air. Most offices and eating places which are air-conditioned have little or no provision for outside air ventilation. This is also true for the packaged rooftop air handling units. The result is that the stale air containing germs, pollutants, smoke is recirculated again and again giving rise to feelings of stuffiness, dizziness, nausea, lethargy and fatigue. All these could be indicators of serious IAQ problems.

What is our interest in, this? As the leaders in Indoor Air Quality', we have much to gain by bringing awareness about the IAQ and its effects. When the facts speak for themselves and the gravity of the situation is realized we are confident most people will be concerned and will try and find a solution! Myth     Outdoor air is more polluted than indoor air. Reality  Indoor air can be 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. Air is regarded as polluted when contaminant level either individually or in combination are known to or may adversely affect the health, safety, well being of humans or the environment.

Sulphur, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide produced by combustion and emissions, high pollen counts, pesticides, chemical compounds, all contribute to outdoor pollution. Indoor air will contain all of the pollutants of the outdoor or surrounding air as a result of ventilation and air movement through doors and windows or even mechanical ventilation systems. Added to the outdoor air pollutants will be substances generated by occupants and their activities. Some of these are through food preparation, fuel burning for heat or cooking, tobacco smoking, hair sprays, cleaning products, paints and pesticide spray residues.

Contaminants may be produced by carpeting, plywood, chemicals from copying machines and air conditioning coolants. A factory may also have particles and fumes from manufacturing processes.

In a conditioned space since free passage of air is limited, substances emitted inside a building tend to accumulate. As a result indoor air may contain concentration of some compounds which are greater than the outdoor ambient air.

An 'Environmental Protection Agency' study has shown that organic contaminants can occur indoors at upto 10 times the outdoor levels found in either industrial or rural areas.

Indoor pollutant level will always be higher in conditioned space with poor ventilation and in settings where greater amounts of a source exist.