IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Indoor pollutants affect the elderly

Exposure to certain common indoor air pollutants may impair older adults' lung function, a small study suggests.

Researchers say the findings raise concerns that the chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), might exacerbate lung or heart disease symptoms in older adults. VOCs are chemicals emitted from a range of products, including paints, varnishes, household cleaning agents, glue, inks and building materials. Because concentrations of the chemicals are up to five times higher indoors than outdoors, VOCs are generally considered indoor air pollutants.