linda nussbaumer on indoor environment
TRANSCRIPT
Indoor Air Pollution:Health Effects & ChallengesLinda L. Nussbaumer, PhDProfessor of Interior DesignSouth Dakota State University
Plain Green Conference 2008
2008 25 September
Indoor Air Pollution:Health Effects & Challenges
Causes of Indoor Air PollutionHealth Affects from Indoor Air PollutionChallenges for designersChallenges for individuals with MCSConclusions
2008 25 September
Cause of Indoor Air Pollution
Categories of indoor air pollutants
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Affects from Indoor Air Pollution
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)◦ An array of symptoms that affect some of a
building’s occupants while they are in the building and that diminish or go away when they leave the building, yet “cannot be traced to specific pollutants or sources within the building”.
Chronic Illness◦ Asthma◦ Multiple Chemical Sensitivity◦ Other
SBS definition from EPA, 2003
Affects from Indoor Air Pollution
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS◦ “A condition in which a person reports sensitivity
or intolerance . . . to a number of chemicals and other irritants at very low concentrations”
EPA, 2003
Criteria for diagnosis of MCS
1. The illness must be chronic condition2. Symptoms recur reproducibly3. Symptoms occur in response to low levels of
exposure4. Exposure is to multiple unrelated chemicals5. Symptoms improve or resolve when incitants
are removed6. Multiple organ systems are affected
Bartha, et al, 1999
Symptoms triggered by Exposure
Locations of Exposures
Poorly ventilated buildingsCommunities with high air or water pollutionExposure in unique situationsAir-tight buildings with poor IAQ
Synergistic Reactions
One chemical mixing with another chemical◦ Creates a volatile reaction within the body
Alcohol and barbiturates Tobacco smoke & radon gas
Bower, 2000
Problems diagnosing MCS
Problems with Indoor Air (IAQ)
EPA, 1995
Challenges for designers
Challenges for individuals with MCS
Where are the problems/challenges?◦ Live◦ Work◦ Play◦ Shop
Conclusions
Thank you
Linda L. Nussbaumer, PhDProfessor of Interior DesignSouth Dakota State University