The Lincoln Log

Photo by Douglas Hwa

Taylor Chow senior, reads a magazine filled with horoscopes and personality quizzes before class begins

Recent studies show that staying in classrooms and closed rooms may be detrimental to a student’s health. Most people know that outdoor air pollution can ruin ones health, but not many are informed of the dangers of air pollution indoors.

Recent studies demonstrate that the air indoors is often more polluted than that of the air outdoors. Indoor pollution can kill millions exposed to harmful toxins.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polluted indoor air is responsible for deaths of roughly two million children each year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked indoor air pollution fourth in cancer risks among the thirteen top environmental problems analyzed.

Now the question is what constitutes as polluted air?

“It is when there’s too much of anything that can cause harm.” explained Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher, Jeffrey Kim.

One can never be certain that the air in their rooms is clean. The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) found at home, buildings, schools, and cars can be contaminated with harmful toxins and other substances that can be inhaled and cause illnesses.

According to the Ecology Center in Michigan, parts of seat cushions, armrests, floor coverings and plastic parts in most car interiors can easily be inhaled through contact with dust by drivers and passengers. Pollution levels inside cars in traffic-clogged places are highest.

At homes, buildings, and schools, brand new materials such as carpets and paints can emit gases that can cause lung cancer.

“Common indoor air pollutants include asbestos, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide,” said Kim. “Mold, fungi, carpets, and paint can be indoor pollutants as well. They can cause breathing problems, itchy eyes, drowsiness, and headaches.”

These pollutants can affect students and teachers’ performances in class. High levels of carbon dioxide in class can make people tired and drowsy, for example.

“If people are allergic to something in a room like mold or fungus, that can cause allergic reaction which can affect the student’s performance,” said Kim. “The most important thing to keep in mind is ventilation.”

Ventilation is how well the air flows, which can reduce and/or avoid the pollution. Occasionally opening windows and doors provide ventilation.