Indoor pollution and its impact on respiratory health

Abstract

Learning objectives: This overview discusses the respiratory complications of indoor air pollution, emphasizing the most common pollutants that individuals are likely to encounter outside the workplace.

Data sources: Data were obtained from a review of the recent literature.

Study selection: The expert opinion of the author was used to select and synthesize relevant data on this multifaceted subject.

Results: There have been a number of studies documenting an association between exposure to indoor allergens and development of both sensitization and asthma in children. In addition to classic allergens, chemical indoor air pollution may also exert an adverse effect on both the upper and lower respiratory tract by a variety of nonimmunologic, irritative mechanisms.

Conclusions: Our understanding of the adverse effects of indoor air pollution on health and comfort has broadened in recent years. It has supplied a credible framework for developing and implementing a variety of control strategies.