Indoor air quality is a concern of many Alaska Natives living in villages. There are a number of factors that contribute to Alaska Natives exposure to IAQ contaminants. Homes in Arctic environments are built with the goal of minimizing the amount of cold air inside the home. The tightness of construction does not allow for the exchange of fresh air, resulting in higher concentrations of IAQ contaminants. Long winter seasons result in more time spent indoors exposed to potentially poor IAQ. The sources of concern include cooking and heating appliances, stored chemicals, environmental tobacco smoke, allergens and sources of moisture. Prolonged exposure to pm 2.5 can lead to a number of illnesses from allergies to heart disease; with poor IAQ you may also have a build up of Carbon Monoxide which if in high enough concentration can lead to death.
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