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The chemical-physical pollutants, as
shown above, are not the only elements
that contribute to the pollution of the in-
door environment.
There are also biological pollutants (mites,
bacteria, virus, moulds, dirt from animal
origin) that provoke or cause chronic res-
piratory symptoms. A collection of studies
on this subject is published in DAMPNESS
AND MOULD from 2009 produced by the
WHO.
Living in residences with high humidity
levels increases the risks of illnesses.
The table summarises the symptoms in
percentages that occur to people living in
environments with polluted air.
Symptom Percentage increase in symptoms
Upper respiratory related symptoms 52%
Cough 50%
Hoarseness 44%
Asthma already diagnosed 50%
Asthma not diagnosed 33%
Development of asthma 30%
People who live in “unhealthy” buildings
can be subject to asthma and allergies; the
risk of contracting rare diseases line chron-
ic rhinitis, allergic alveolitis, or hypersensi-
tivity pneumonitis are increased.
Internal environmental pollution has con-
sequences, not only on health, but also
on society. All the diseases shown here
constitute a significant cost for the health
system. The Italian Ministry of Health pro-
duced in 1999 a study on the impact these
pollutants have on the population and the
direct health costs.
Bad air quality certainly has effect on
human productivity, both at work and
school. We all have experiences of reduced
concentration in closed environments
without ventilation.
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