Combustion Pollutants
Lets start with some pollutants that arise from combustion processes.
Nitrogen Oxide
Sometimes, nitrogen oxides are formed during combustion when atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen react. These can come from gas stoves, ovens, dryers, heaters or poorly maintained appliances. Nitrogen oxides can irritate the eyes and cause respiratory problems.
The concentration of nitrogen oxides vary over time and space. It can be attributable to the variation of the type of fuel used, the rate of fuel consumption . Concentrations are generally higher during winter due to the use of heaters.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Similar to nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides come from stoves, ovens, fireplaces - basically from poorly maintained appliances. CO is a colourless odourless gas which can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea and flu-like symptoms,
Particulates
Fine solids that comprises a mixture of materials of various sizes. Can cause health problems when inhaled, but dependent on what materials or size. Generally, the smaller or finer the particles, the more dangerous. Sometimes, they can include toxic materials like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. At home, usually these particulates will come from fireplaces or wood-burning stoves.
As you can see from above, most of these pollutants come from heating/cooking appliances. Therefore, it is important to keep your homes well ventilated while using these equipments.
In the case of Singapore, these usually does not pose too much of a problem as most of us live in proper housing that is well ventilated. However, in the less developed countries, hundreds of millions of people suffer from problems generated from pollutants generated from combustion pollutants. Therefore, pollution is really geographical. Will discuss about this issue in time to come, presenting case studies about the geography of indoor pollution. Stay tuned!
References:
Jarvis DJ, Adamkiewicz G, Heroux ME, et al. Nitrogen dioxide. In: WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Selected Pollutants. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. 5. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138707/
