Some of the more prevalent indoor air contaminants and their associated health problems include:
Asbestos – (found in spray insulation, pipewrapping) chest and abdominal cancers and lung disease.
Carbon monoxide – (appliances using oil, gas,kerosene, coal, or wood) – fatigue, headaches, nausea, fatal at high concentrations.
Dust mites and animal dander – eye, nose, and throat irritation, asthma.
Formaldehyde – (particleboard, carpet, insulation, and commonly used glues) – eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, may cause cancer.
Lead Paint – learning and behavioral problems, impaired hearing.
Mold and mildew – (wet or damp carpet or other materials, central air systems and humidifiers) – eye, nose, and throat irritation,lethargy, digestive problems, asthma, influenza and other infections diseases.
Pesticides – eye, nose, and throat irritation, damage to central nervous system and kidney.
Radon Gas – lung and stomach cancer. Click on radon page for more information.
Tobacco smoke – eye, nose, and throat irritation, lung cancer, and increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections in children.
Volatile Organic Compounds – (consumer products, glues, whiteout, paints, deodorizers, cleansers, adhesives, drycleaners in buildings, mothballs, disinfectants, synthetic building materials and furnishings)- cancer, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, lethargy.
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