Researchers Air pollution in buildings kills thousands of people every year

Unborn and young children particularly at risk from air pollution
Air pollution has continued to increase in recent decades. Of course, this also has a negative impact on human health. The great health burden of outdoor air pollution is relatively well known. Less well-known are the effects of indoor air pollution. For example, there is growing evidence of damage to children's intelligence and health from these levels of air pollution.

The effects of outdoor air pollution are increasing and more and more people are starting to develop health problems. However, we underestimate the consequences of indoor air pollution and its serious impact on human health. The pollution is particularly dangerous for the health of small children. Air pollution in buildings may affect the development of organs such as the heart and lungs. There are also negative effects on the brain of young children, according to the preliminary results of the report "Every Breath We Take: the lifelong impact of air pollution," the scientists from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health "(RCPCH) will be publishing this week.

Indoor air pollution can easily cause discomfort, especially in children. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

What factors affect air pollution in buildings?
For years, the effects of outdoor air pollution were warned. The scientists emphasized, however, that indoor air pollution can be extremely dangerous to our health. Especially small children are particularly affected and could suffer serious health damage, quoted the newspaper "The Guardian" the doctors. Sources of air pollution in buildings include smoking, gas stoves and stoves, as well as irritant chemicals in new furniture and household cleaning products. House dust mites, mold and dander from pets can also harm your health, "The Guardian" quoted the scientists. Much of the outside pollution is generated by motor vehicles, causing about 40,000 deaths a year in the UK alone. The number of deaths caused by indoor pollution is unknown, the newspaper said, citing the current report. It is estimated that indoor air pollution in 2012 killed 99,000 people across Europe.

The report also found that unborn babies and toddlers are particularly susceptible to air pollution. The development of the heart, lungs, brain, endocrine system and immunity is affected by such pollution. According to the experts, it has implications for growth, intelligence, asthma and brain development. In addition, our coordination is impaired. The damage to babies and children will have an impact that goes far into the future, the researchers explain. We now know that air pollution has a significant impact on many long-term conditions, which increase strokes and heart attacks in sensitive individuals. In addition, there is convincing evidence that air pollution is associated with the increased incidence of childhood and adult asthma, citing "The Guardian" the lead author Professor Stephen Holgate of "Southampton University".

British government must greatly reduce air pollution by 2020
Many people in the UK, according to the researchers are currently exposed to an illegally high level of air pollution. The UK government lost a lawsuit in 2015 and now needs to prepare a plan to contain air pollution. If planning succeeds, air pollution in most English cities will be reduced to allowable levels by 2020, reports The Guardian. This objective should be achieved through a number of far-reaching measures, including stricter air pollution controls, such as testing and limiting emissions from vehicles. The report called for another measure: local authorities should be empowered to block roads or redirect traffic when air pollution becomes too high, especially near schools.

Use public transport or go by bike
The problem of air pollution in buildings requires further research. We need to recognize and understand key risk factors and impacts of poor air quality in our homes, schools, and workplaces, citing "The Guardian." Andrew Goddard of the Royal College of Physicians. National action to combat climate change will help reduce air pollution. The public can also play its part in reducing air pollution, said Professor Jonathan Grigg of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The public should use more public transport and also walk or cycling helps against air pollution. (As)