Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution

Beginning principally with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and continuing ever since with the expansion of human activities and the development of much of the globe, air pollution has become an inescapable hazard, both outdoors and indoors.

Outdoor Air Pollution

• Outdoor air pollution is the result of man-made and naturally occurring elements, which make their way around the globe on wind currents. Contributing outdoor air pollution factors include smog, exhaust, ozone depletion, which traps greenhouses gases in the lower atmosphere, and the countless particles of heavy metals and other harmful substances released during manufacturing and other human activities.

Indoor Air Pollution

• In less developed places, people rely on burning fuel for warmth and cooking, which may cause heavy exposure to carcinogens of all types in the home. In the developed world indoor air pollution primarily consists of household chemical vapors, construction materials, cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, molds, and naturally occurring gases like carbon monoxide and radon, which are potentially deadly.

Considerations

• Because indoor pollution is confined to an enclosed and relatively small space and because people tend to spend more time in their homes than anywhere else, indoor air pollution can be more dangerous than outdoor. Steps can be taken to limit indoor air pollution, including the use of green cleaners instead of chemicals, air filters, and obvious precautions like not smoking indoors.