The human body's exposure to ozone in indoor spaces generates highly reactive hydroxyl (OH), radicals which are largely responsible for the oxidation of most pollutant gases, researchers report. The findings have implications for our understanding of the role of humans in indoor air chemistry and quality. "[The authors] observed that the human body interacts with the indoor environment in an analogous manner to how Earth interacts with the atmosphere," write Coralie Schoemaecker and Nicola Carslaw in a related Perspective.

"Both the human body and Earth are chemical reactors, consuming or producing oxidants and oxidized species in their surrounding atmospheres." The vast majority of humans spend most of their time indoors – whether at their home or workplace or while traveling between the two – and are exposed to a number of chemicals from various sources, including outdoor pollutants that find their way inside, gaseous emissions from building materials and furnishings, and products of activities such as cooking and cleaning. Moreover, the human body is also a potent mobile source of emissions.

Read more...