Indoor Air Pollutants (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define indoor air pollutants.
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Define indoor air pollutants.
Indoor air pollutants are substances found inside buildings that are considered harmful to health, arising from sources such as building materials, household products, and tobacco smoke.
Why is carbon monoxide (CO) known as the 'silent killer'?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, so it is hard to detect unless CO monitors are fitted.
Carbon monoxide is an indoor air pollutant that is classified as an .
Carbon monoxide is an indoor air pollutant that is classified as an asphyxiant.
What process produces carbon monoxide indoors?
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, when there is not enough oxygen for the carbon to fully oxidize.
True or False?
Asbestos in a building is dangerous even when it is left undisturbed.
False.
Asbestos is not dangerous until it is disturbed and its fibers enter the air and then the respiratory tract.
How does carbon monoxide harm the body?
Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen delivery in the bloodstream, leading to dizziness, confusion, and potentially fatal poisoning.
How can carbon monoxide poisoning be prevented in the home?
CO poisoning can be prevented by ensuring adequate ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances, never running a car in a closed garage, and fitting and regularly checking CO monitors.
Define radon-222.
Radon-222 is a radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil.
What health effects can asbestos cause?
Asbestos can cause skin irritation and lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
How must asbestos be removed from a building?
Asbestos must be removed by trained professionals using breathing apparatus, ventilation in the removal area, and plastic to seal off the area.
True or False?
Indoor air is always cleaner than outdoor air.
False.
Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, which matters because an estimated 90% of people's time is spent inside.
Where does radon tend to accumulate in buildings?
Radon tends to accumulate in basements and poorly ventilated areas.
Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of .
Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer.
Why is mold a health concern in humid, damp buildings?
Mold grows in humid and damp environments and releases spores that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
What is indoor dust composed of?
Indoor dust is composed of dead skin cells, pollen, fibers, and other particles, and can carry mites and pet dander.
Which indoor items release VOCs such as benzene, toluene, and xylene?
VOCs such as benzene, toluene, and xylene are released by furniture, paneling, and carpets.
Formaldehyde, found in building materials, furniture, and carpeting, is a known .
Formaldehyde, found in building materials, furniture, and carpeting, is a known carcinogen.
Where is lead found as an indoor air pollutant?
Indoor lead is found in old paints, pipes, and contaminated dust.
What are the effects of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from combustion?
Nitrogen oxides irritate the respiratory system and contribute to smog formation.
Why is tobacco smoke a harmful indoor air pollutant?
Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens and contributes to respiratory diseases.
Define radon-222.
Radon-222 is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in certain rocks, soils, and groundwater.
Why can radon move easily through the ground into buildings?
Radon is a noble gas, so it can easily move through the ground and enter buildings.
True or False?
According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer overall.
False.
According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and a leading cause among non-smokers.
In which rock types is radon most prevalent?
Radon is most prevalent in granite, shale, phosphate rock, and certain volcanic soils.
The most common way radon enters homes is through the soil beneath the .
The most common way radon enters homes is through the soil beneath the foundations.
Why is radon gas drawn into buildings from the soil?
Buildings create a slight negative pressure relative to the soil, so radon gas is drawn inside.
Why are homes with basements or crawl spaces particularly vulnerable to radon?
Basements and crawl spaces are in direct contact with the soil, so radon can enter them easily.
How can well water add radon to indoor air?
Radon dissolves into groundwater and is released into the air when the water is used indoors.
What type of radiation does radon-222 emit?
Radon-222 emits alpha radiation, which damages lung tissue when inhaled.
True or False?
Radon exposure causes immediate symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.
False.
Unlike carbon monoxide poisoning, radon causes no immediate symptoms; its effects develop over time, so testing is crucial for early detection.
The EPA recommends action if indoor radon levels exceed pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
The EPA recommends action if indoor radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
Define sub-slab depressurization system.
A sub-slab depressurization system is a radon mitigation system that uses a vent pipe and fan to remove radon gas from beneath a home and release it outside.
Which two simple building measures reduce radon levels in existing homes?
Radon levels can be reduced by improving ventilation in basements and crawl spaces and sealing cracks and openings with caulk and sealants.
How can radon be removed from well water?
Radon can be removed from well water using aeration systems or activated carbon filters.
How can builders minimize radon infiltration in new homes in high-risk areas?
Builders can install radon-resistant materials and venting systems during construction.
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