Impact of Climate Change on Indoor Air Quality
Background
Our climate has measurably changed over the years with globally averaged carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration increasing from 250 to 410 ppm (www.ipcc.ch). Worldwide, the number of record cold days and nights has fallen, and the number of record hot days and nights has risen (www.ipcc.ch). Forecasts based on current data and computer modeling suggest that the Earth's surface temperature will continue to rise, oceans will continue to warm and absorb more CO2, and sea levels will continue to rise.
Air pollution
According to the WHO definition, “air pollution is a complex mixture of liquid droplets, solid particles, and gases.”5 Air pollution emanates from a wide variety of sources, including domestic fuel combustion, industrial smokestacks, vehicle exhaust, power generation, agricultural practices, open burning of waste, and desert dust to name a few. Air pollutants measured include fine and course (PM2.5) and (PM10) PM, which are particles with aerodynamic diameters ranging from less than 2.5 and
Indoor air pollution and pollutants sources
Climate change can affect the indoor environment through heat and mass transfer between the indoors and outdoors13 through two fundamental ways. First, a direct response to global warming itself, with extreme weather phenomena such as frequent or violent hurricanes, leads to an increase in IAQ problems. Second, IAQ may be impacted by indirect actions taken to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that can lead to increased concentrations of indoor air contaminants. For example, large quantities
Indoor air quality standards
In Western countries, people spend around 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of certain pollutants can often be higher than typical outdoor levels.
IAQ guideline standards aimed to maintain healthy air in building are generated by several regulatory government and professional organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Consequences of indoor air pollution on allergic rhinitis and asthma
AR and asthma have pathophysioologic links, known as the "united airways phenomenon," and represent the most common respiratory conditions. Its increasing prevalence is strongly related to individual lifestyles. Indoor air pollution’s impact on health is amplified by the amount of time spent indoors. Environmental factors such as NO2, tobacco smoke, VOCs, and indoor allergens have all been associated with exacerbations of asthma and rhinitis. PM10 may activate distinct inflammatory
Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to improve indoor air quality
As buildings consume a substantial fraction of all energy carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate climate change, it is necessary to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. The benefit of thermal insulation of building envelopes improves thermal comfort and controls winter indoor temperatures. However, the negative impact includes the potential for increased risk moisture trapping, leading dampness and mold growth inside the walls that can permeate into the home over time.
Discussion
Climate change can have several direct and indirect negative effects on the indoor environment that in turn impact respiratory health. These include overheating, indoor air pollution, biological contamination, flooding, and water damage. Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in the residential construction sector involving improved building design and ventilation, passive cooling and energy efficiency measures can have beneficial effects on health, if properly designed and
Summary
The effects of weather and climate change on indoor and outdoor air quality are many and varied. Air pollution and climate change are closely linked, with air pollutants contributing to atmospheric temperature and rising temperatures due to climate change leading to an increase in natural VOCs emissions. In addition, CO2 emissions mainly from fossil fuel combustion are not only a major driver of climate change but also major sources of air pollutants and increased tree and weed pollination.
Reference :Alina Gherasim, Alison G. Lee, Jonathan A. Bernstein, Impact of Climate Change on Indoor Air Quality, Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America, 44 (1(, 2024, Pages 55-73, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iac.2023.09.001.
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