Evaluates the methodology and findings of studies focused on the health hazards posed by organic compounds found in indoor air, with particular emphasis on concentrations likely to occur in homes in industrialized countries. Following a brief discussion of analytical methods used to assess indoor organic pollutants, the book reviews data on the concentrations and distributions of selected airborne organic compounds produced by a number of indoor items and activities, including cigarette smoking, cooking, use of wood-burning fireplaces or unvented kerosene heaters, moth-balls and other insecticides, glue, treated or dry-cleaned textiles, and by the use of paint removers, glue, detergents, and a number of cleaning agents. On the basis of this review, the book estimates average exposures of the general population to selected indoor organic pollutants. The remaining sections review available data on health effects, including sensory irritation, tissue and organ toxicity, and genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Noting several weaknesses in the design of previous studies and the difficulty of making meaningful comparisons, the book concludes with a series of recommendations for the design and direction of future research.

chi eng with summaries in fre ger rus.

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WHODOC

WHO monograph

ICP/CEH 026

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