Indoor Pollutants in the Home
- Fiberglass Insulation: The jagged edged particles of fiberglass are of even greater concern than asbestos, which can still be found in older houses. Urethane is a further concern.
- Pressed wood in furniture and flooring: Manufactured with formaldehyde which is released as gas.
- Dry Cleaning: Source of toxic toluenes and PERC.
- Dust Mites: The excreta and body paints and plumbing pipes.
- Lead: Found in older paints and plumbing pipes.
- Aerosols in personal care products: A common source of organic gases, some of which are suspected carcinogens.
- Pesticides: Source of extremely toxic chemical that can be released into indoor air.
- Smoke from fireplace or wood stove: Open fireplaces can produce ash dust, carcinogenic tars and combustion by products like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
- Wall coverings: Plasticized wallpapers can emit VOCs; wood paneling is often manufactured with formaldehyde.
- Gas Stove: Can be a source of combustion by-products, such as CO and CO2.
- Household Cleaning Products: Can contain many harmful volatile chemicals, such as benzene and carbon tetrachloride.
- Draperies: Treated fabrics can contain formaldehyde.
- Tobacco Smoke: Tobacco Smoke contains 43 carcinogens, the danger to nonsmokers from second-hand smoke, especially in children, is now becoming recognized.
- Carpets: Source of formaldehyde. Harbor dust, dust mites and animal dander.
- Paints and Solvents: These are sources of many volatile chemicals, which are easily vaporized.
- Fuels: Storage of gasoline, kerosene, and other fuels can release volatile chemicals into household air.
- Pet Dander: Animal hair and skin flakes are a common source of allergens.
- Auto Exhaust: Such fumes can enter the home from the garage or nearby traffic flow. Carbon monoxide is the primary danger, and has a cumulative effect in the human system.
- Asbestos: Fibers reside in lung tissue and can cause lung cancer or emphysema.
- Radon: Radon gas is a natural emission where uranium exists underground. Radon carries radioactive particles that can be a dangerous cause of lung cancer.
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