Measuring Air Quality in Phenol Houses in Yakutsk
In the heart of Yakutia's capital, an initiative to monitor air quality in so-called "phenolic houses" is on the horizon. This groundbreaking announcement has come from the Minister of Construction, Victor Romanov, during a live broadcast today.
Historically, these "phenolic houses" were a common sight from 1965 to 1985, thanks to their quick construction process and lower costs achieved by incorporating phenol-formaldehyde into the concrete mix and glass wool insulation panels with phenolic coatings.
While these structures were a architectural marvel during their time, they pose potential health issues due to the presence of phenol and formaldehyde, known as toxic substances. Living in these homes, especially for children, can lead to chronic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, vision disorders, respiratory diseases, severe kidney damage, and even cancer. The issue of "phenolic houses" and their harmful effects were initially raised in Russia during late perestroika, around 1989-1990.
"Approximately 280 houses in the republic could be at risk, built using subpar insulation that may emit phenol. These buildings are old, and many are deemed dilapidated and slated for resettlement as part of the resettlement program," explained Minister Romanov. Given the current shortage of resettlement resources, the department is preparing proposals for addressing this situation.
In collaboration with Rospotrebnadzor and the mayor's office of Yakutsk, the ministry has agreed to carry out air quality tests in apartments. Should the research reveal excessive pollution beyond the established sanitary norms, the findings will be forwarded to the federal center.
"This does not guarantee immediate funding approval, but we are drafting proposals to be sent to the federal center for consideration," emphasized the head of the republican department. Should the issue be confirmed, additional funding could be allotted for affected homes.
Additionally, Minister Romanov mentioned that houses already deemed dilapidated will be resettled as part of a new resettlement program planned to run until 2030.
Now, let's delve into the potential health effects of poor air quality in residential settings, clarifying why "phenolic houses" pose a risk. Poor air quality can lead to an array of health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological effects. In residential settings, indoor air pollutants can stem from building materials, heating systems, and human activities.
Children, in particular, are sensitive to air pollution due to their developing lungs and heightened metabolic rates. Exposure to poor air quality can exacerbate asthma, lead to lung infections, and potentially impact cognitive development. If phenolic houses contain phenolic compounds in their structural materials, they could release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time, leading to irritation, headaches, dizziness, and long-term neurological damage. Furthermore, some VOCs are known carcinogens, and exposure can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
For specific plans or studies related to air quality measurements in Yakutia and "phenolic houses," it would be essential to consult local environmental health authorities or research institutions.
The air quality monitors in Yakutia, particularly in the "phenolic houses," can shed light on medical-conditions related to poor air quality, such as respiratory problems and potential neurological effects. To ensure the health-and-wellness of the public, especially children, it's crucial to address environmental-science issues like VOC emissions from these houses, which might cause irritation, headaches, neurological damage, and even cancer.
