Environmental and health effects due to inorganic air pollutants

Indoor air pollution caused by cooking, heating, cleaning, and burning solid fuels is a major environmental health problem. The use of dirty cooking fuels in developing countries has significantly increased the concentration level of inorganic substances. Old paint on the walls, burned mosquito coils, cooking stoves, and heaters generate fine particulates and toxic materials that can be inhaled by and exposed to humans. Moreover, occupant activities, resuspended dust from outdoor areas, and ventilation greatly affect indoor air pollution. Airborne particulates may accumulate and move onto surface areas in offices and households. High levels of inorganic substances are identified during working hours in schools and offices and reduced when occupants return home. However, cooking is the main contributor to inorganic pollutants in the house, resulting in a high accumulation of various inorganic pollutants and adverse health effects. The interaction of toxic inorganic substances in the air produces free radical reactions, which are harmful to cells and DNA in humans. Several studies found a strong relationship between indoor air quality, economic conditions, education, and building quality. The mechanism of exposure to inorganic air particulates in humans is not evident in terms of specific symptoms, short-term effects, and prevention plans for future events. High levels of inorganic pollutants are linked to various illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, sleep disturbance, problems in immune systems, and neurological damage. This paper provides the latest insights on the accumulation of inorganic pollutants in indoor areas and its effects on human health on a local and global scale.