![]() To learn more about mold and respirators, visit Travelers should anticipate needing to bring sufficient quantities of PPE with them, as supplies may be scarce or not available in the countries visited. When working in moldy environments, use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator or higher.Avoid areas where mold contamination is obvious.To prevent exposures that could result in adverse health effects, travelers should adhere to the following recommendations: Mold is a more serious health hazard for the immunocompromised or for people who have respiratory problems such as asthma. Water damage to buildings can lead to mold contamination. Travelers may visit flooded areas as part of emergency, medical, or humanitarian relief missions. Ceremonial incense and candles are often unrecognized asthma triggers. Major sources of indoor carbon monoxide include gas ranges and ovens, unvented gas or kerosene space heaters, and coal- or wood-burning stoves. ![]() Other potential sources of indoor air pollutants include cooking or combustion sources, such as kerosene, coal, wood, or animal dung. Secondhand smoke from smoking tobacco is an important contributor to indoor air pollution. Travelers should be mindful of, and limit exposures to, indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide ( Table 3-02). The World Air Quality Index project shows real-time air quality/air pollution data for more than 10,000 air stations in more than 80 countries around the world () and the World Health Organization posts historical data on outdoor air pollution in urban areas at. The AirNow website ( ) provides basic information about local air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI) (Table 3-1). Travelers, particularly those with underlying cardiorespiratory disease, should be familiar with the air quality at their destination. Conversely, those with preexisting heart and lung disease, children, and older adults have an increased risk of adverse health effects from even short-term exposure to air pollution. Polluted air can be difficult or impossible for travelers to avoid, and the risk to otherwise healthy people who have only limited exposure is generally low. Armin Ansari, Suzanne Beavers AIR QUALITYĪlthough air pollution has decreased in many parts of the world, it represents a significant and growing health problem for the residents of some cities in certain industrializing countries.
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