High-Quality Indoor Air

Question 1

What is the colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rock & soil around the world that negatively impacts indoor air quality?

Answer 1

Radon

Question 2

How does radioactive Radon gas naturally form?

Answer 2

Through the decay of uranium in soil and water

Question 3

How does Radon get into peoples homes and buildings?

Answer 3

Through cracks and holes in the foundation

Question 4

What is the main toxic effect of Radon exposure?

Answer 4

Increased Risk of Lung Cancer

Question 5

What is the second leading cause of lung cancer below smoking?

Answer 5

Radon exposure

Question 6

What are some “simple” controls to reducing radon exposure in homes?

2 points

Answer 6

• Improving ventilation in the home
• Renovation/construction specific to reducing how much radon gas can enter the household from soil

Question 7

What are the 2 “forms” of Radon detection?

Answer 7

Active and passive radon detection

Question 8

List 2 examples of passive radon detection devices

Answer 8

1. Charcoal canisters
2. Alpha-track detectors

Question 9

List an example of active radon detection device

Answer 9

Continuous Radon Monitors

Question 10

What are the 4 indoor air quality contaminants discussed in the textbook?

Answer 10

1. Radon
2. Tobacco Smoke
3. Carbon Monoxide
4. Asbestos

Question 11

How does carbon monoxide accumulate in buildings?

Answer 11

It accumulates when combustion sources are present and the air is not properly ventilated

Question 12

What does carbon monoxide do when it is inhaled?

Answer 12

It bonds with the hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing those cells from transporting oxygen properly

Question 13

List symptoms of low level carbon monoxide inhalation

3 symptoms

Answer 13

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Ischemic heart disease aggravation

Question 14

What is the best way to prevent carbon monoxide inhalation?

Answer 14

By preventing combustion from occurring in indoor space, or by ensuring there is adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide

Question 15

Asbestos exposure increases the risk of what 2 things?

r other diseases asbestos aggravates but these r main 1’s in textbook

Answer 15

1. Fibrosing lung disease (asbestosis)
2. Cancer

Question 16

When were steps to begin removing asbestos implemented?

Answer 16

The 1980s

Question 17

What fibers are strong and flexible, and able to resist heat, chemical, and electrical degradation?

Answer 17

Asbestos

Question 18

What are the 6 fibers conventionally included in the term asbestos?

Hint: Acatac

Answer 18

1. Actinolite
2. Amosite
3. Anthophyllite
4. Chrysotile
5. Crocidolite
6. Tremolite

Question 19

In what regions is asbestos consumption still high?

3 places

Answer 19

• China
• India
• Parts of Eastern Europe

Question 20

What is the most common form of exposure to asbestos?

Answer 20

Inhalation