Indoor air quality more harmful than outdoor air

Washington, July 15 : One may crib about the pollution outside and prefer to stay inside the four walls of the home, but even this may not be a good idea, for researchers say that indoor air quality has a greater impact on health than outdoor air quality.

In a new study, researchers said that exposure to chemical and biological contaminants and possible cancer-causing agents is possible, and can contribute to the risk of developing respiratory and neurologic symptoms, allergies, asthma and lung cancer.

While North American adults spend almost 90% of their time indoors, researchers at the University of Ottawa; the Environmental Health Sciences Bureau (Canada); the Air Health Effects Division, Water, Air and Climate Change Bureau; and Health Canada review sources, health effects and control strategies for several major sources of residential indoor contaminants.

This information is useful for both homeowners and physicians in helping prevent and treat possible health problems.

The study also cited that exposure to second hand smoke and radon are the most common causes of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.

ANI