| Pollutant |
Source |
Health Effects |
| Asbestos |
Building materials, including insulation and acoustic ceilings |
Lung diseases, including lung cancer. |
| Formaldehyde |
Foam insulation inside walls, particle board, plywood. |
Respiratory tract irritation, cancer. |
| Radon |
Comes from the earththrough 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 |
