Ozone’s Impact on Public Health: Indoor Exposures
Author Information
Author(s): Charles J. Weschler
Primary Institution: Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers University
Hypothesis
Indoor exposures to ozone and its oxidation products contribute to ozone’s overall impact on public health.
Conclusion
Indoor exposures to ozone and its oxidation products can be reduced by filtering ozone from ventilation air and limiting the use of ozone-reactive products indoors.
Supporting Evidence
- Indoor ozone levels are typically 10–50% of outdoor values.
- Indoor ozone exposures are typically 45–75% of total exposures.
- Indoor ozone inhalation intakes are typically 25–60% of total intakes.
- Indoor sources of chemicals that react with ozone are ubiquitous.
- Certain oxidation products are known to be toxic and others are anticipated to be toxic.
- Indoor inhalation intakes of these oxidation products are roughly one-third to twice the indoor intakes of ozone.
Takeaway
Ozone from outside can get inside buildings and can be harmful to health, so we should try to clean the air inside to keep people safe.
Methodology
The study involved an extensive review of the literature and analyses of published data regarding indoor and outdoor ozone levels and their health effects.
Limitations
The study does not provide specific experimental data to directly test the hypothesis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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