What's in the Air?

POLLUTANT	SOURCE	HEALTH EFFECTS
Asbestos	Building materials, including insulation and acoustical ceilings	Lung diseases, including lung cancer.
Formaldehyde	Foam insulation inside walls, particle board, plywood.	Respiratory tract irritation, cancer.
Radon	Comes from the earth through cracks in the foundation and from well water.	Lung cancer.
Carbon monoxide	Gas appliances, fireplaces, wood stoves, tobacco smoke.	Blocks oxygen from the body, progressively causing fatigue, headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness and death
Nitrogen dioxide	Gas appliances, fireplaces, wood stoves.	Eye and respiratory tract irritation and infection; long-term exposure causes bronchitis.
Biological agents, such as mold, mildew and fungus	Improperly maintained air ducts, air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air filters and carpets.	Diseases characterized by watery eyes, sneezing, lethargy, rashes coughing, and breathing and  digestive problems.
Organic compounds, such as ammonia benzene, chlorine and acetone	Cleaners, waxes, paint, pesticides, adhesives, insulation, plywood, furniture, chlorine, mothballs, dry-cleaned items and automobiles.	Respiratory tract and eye irritation. Many of the substances cause cancer.
Lead	Paint and automobile exhaust.	Attacks the nervous system and the brain.
Aromatic hydrocarbons	Adhesives, pesticides, paints, cleaners, waxes, heaters, tobacco, automobile exhaust.	Respiratory tract irritation and cancer.