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GIHN—Global Burden of Indoor Air Contaminants (September 2017) Page 3 Section I. Overview Astute physicians and healers have been aware of the existence of environmental toxins for more than a thousand years. The list of substances, both naturally occurring and manmade, which may cause harm to the human organism, is continually growing. Curiously, while heart disease, cancers and rare exotic illnesses frequently grab headlines, illness due to environmental sources, though incredibly common, often receive little or no media coverage. As a result, there is poor understanding, and acceptance, of the concept that our environment is capable of slowly poisoning its inhabitants. This is surprising considering the thousands of research papers and reports on this topic. This paper provides a discussion of this topic, along with statistics and financial costs. We will start with a few specific quotes highlighting the significant harm caused by indoor air pollution: In a 2016 report by UNICEF focusing on the impact on children: The UNICEF report highlights the significant impact of indoor and outdoor pollution on children and emphasizes the urgent need for countries to take action now. They say it very succinctly with the comment "the impact is commensurately shocking." 1 In a 2009 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on dampness and mould: Indoor air pollution – such as from dampness and mould, chemicals and other biological agents – is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. 2 In a 2010 report by the WHO on indoor air quality and selected pollutants: Indoor exposure to air pollutants causes very significant damage to health globally— especially in developing countries. 3 In a 1989 report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Health effects from indoor air pollution cover the range of acute and chronic effects, and include eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory effects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver effects, heart functions, allergic and infectious diseases, developmental effects, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. 4 The UNICEF report highlights the significant impact of indoor and outdoor pollution on children and emphasizes the urgent need for countries to take action now. They say it very succinctly with the comment "the impact is commensurately shocking."

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