Reducing health risks from indoor exposures in rapidly developing urban China
Yinping Zhang1, Jinhan Mo, Charles J Weschler
1Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|May 14, 2013
Summary
Urbanization in China has increased indoor pollution exposure, leading to adverse health effects. Implementing strategies to reduce indoor air pollutants can mitigate these health costs and improve public health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Urbanization Studies
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Significant rural-to-urban migration in China over 20 years.
- Shift from low-rise to high-rise urban residences with synthetic materials.
- Altered indoor exposure profiles due to urbanization and modernization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the impact of urbanization on indoor exposures and public health in China.
- To argue that rising health costs are not inevitable.
- To present strategies for reducing indoor pollutant exposure.
Main Methods:
- Review of inferred impacts of urbanization on indoor exposures.
- Analysis of public health trends in urban China.
- Identification of policy and design-based interventions.
Main Results:
- Increased morbidity and mortality among urban residents linked to air pollutant exposure.
- Contribution of air pollutants to lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and birth defects.
- Most exposure to pollutants, regardless of source, occurs indoors.
Conclusions:
- Reducing indoor air pollution is achievable through targeted interventions.
- Key strategies include limiting outdoor pollutant ingress, minimizing indoor sources, and updating policies.
- Addressing indoor air quality in building design is crucial.
- Implementing these steps can significantly reduce illness and associated societal costs.
