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Air Quality - Air Quality Bulletin 06
Air pollution may be worse inside buildings than outside. "If people are concerned about outdoor pollution they should be just as concerned about air quality inside buildings". How good is the air in my house?
Modern buildings tend to be poorly ventilated so that pollutants from cooking, cleaning, decorating, smoking and other activities are kept inside longer.
Some indoors air pollutants include:-
- Carbon monoxide (CO): Carbon monoxide may be produced by badly installed or badly maintained gas and solid fuel equipment. High levels of CO can cause headaches, fatigue, respiratory problems and in very high doses can kill. It has no taste or smell making it especially hazardous.
- Tobacco smoke: The health effects and risks of smoking are well known. It is a significant contribution to poor air quality in buildings. Health statistics show that there is an increasing likelihood of babies and children (age 0-4) being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties if they live in a home where the adults smoke.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): This is formed when fuel is burnt, for example in heaters and cookers. It is also present in tobacco smoke. Exposure may increase the risk of respiratory infections in children. NO2 levels in kitchens with gas cookers are often higher than levels outside near busy roads.
- Solvent vapours: Solvents are important ingredients of glues, paints, cleaning fluids, air-spray-cans and many DIY products. Care must be taken when handling these products as they can be hazardous and the manufacturers' guidelines should be followed.
- Asbestos: Asbestos has been widely used in the past in buildings. If the material is damaged it can release microscopic asbestos dust which is dangerous and can cause damage to lungs. Click the following link for more detailed information: Asbestos
- Man-made mineral fibres: Some loft insulation fibres can pose a risk to the lungs and irritate the skin. Wear masks and gloves when handling and follow manufacturers' guidelines.
- Lead (Pb): Lead poisoning is now very rare. Old paint may contain lead and may pollute the air if removed by burning off or sanding.
- Mould spores: Black mould (mildew) growth in damp conditions release mould spores that can produce allergic reactions in people similar to hay fever. Black mould should be treated.
- House dust mites: These microscopic spider-like creatures live in beds, carpets and soft furniture. They can trigger asthma attacks and eczema in sensitive people. Regular cleaning helps reduce the numbers.
For further information please contact either:-
The Air Quality Officer Tel: 0151 356 6713 or The Air Quality Co-ordinator Tel: 0151 356 6631
Fax: 0151 356 6432
Fill in the form below:-
Environmental Protection - Air Quality
or write to :-
Environmental Protection Unit
Council Offices
4, Civic Way
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65 0BE
Air Quality Bulletins are designed as a series of regular information leaflets aimed at answering your questions on local air quality in simple understandable language. If you have an air quality question then please ask us and we will answer in a new Bulletin.
This project is part funded by the Epicentre Partnership.
