INDOOR AIR POLLUTION  - THREE SOURCES

Airborne Particles
Include: dust, pollen, dirt, pet dander, insulation and Carpet fibers.
Particles are often the largest of the pollutants, however, are not visible to the naked eye. Dust and pollen are the two major particles that cause hay fever. Dust is essentially tiny pieces of everything that exists in, or moves through your house. Pollen consists of airborne particles released from trees and other plant life.

Biological Contaminants
Includes: mold spores, dust mites, viruses, fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and algae.
Biological contaminants are also known as bioerolols, they can be living or non-living organisms. They thrive in warm humid environments and, because they are so small, these contaminants can get past the protective filters in the nose and upper respiratory tract, allowing them the ability to reach the lungs and are highly allergenic. They can be found in places such as bedding, upholstered furniture, bathrooms, and damp basements.

Gases and Odors
Includes: chemical vapors from gas ovens, space heaters, water heaters, furnaces, carpets, fireplaces, garages, pets, cleaning products, furniture, paint, perfumes, pesticides, and tobacco smoke.

Gases can include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sources for carbon monoxide include back drafting heating appliances, poorly maintained fossil fuel heating systems, faulty chimneys, gas cooking appliances, cigarette smoking and idling cars in an attached garage.

Formaldehyde comes from building products, carpet backings and insulation.

VOCs can be released from synthetic and composite materials used during the construction finishing, and furnishing of a home. They can also come from sources such as aerosol sprays, paints, cleaning chemicals, gas cooking appliances, and air fresheners. Each of these resides in your home and can contribute to an unhealthy environment.

SYMPTOMS RELATED TO
INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS

• Allergic Reactions

• Asthma (exacerbation)

• Cough – Dust, Soil, Ash, Tobacco Smoke, Pollen, Molds, Mildew, Fungus, Bacteria, Virus, Pet Dander, Dust Mites and Formaldehyde.

• Chest Tightness

• Dizziness – Dust, Soil, Ash, Molds, Mildew, Fungus, Pet Dander and Dust Mites

• Eye Irritation – Dust, Soil, Ash, Tobacco Smoke, Pollen, Molds, Mildew, Fungus, Bacteria, Virus, Pet Dander, Formaldehyde and VOC’s.

• Fatigue – Pollen, Carbon Monoxide and VOC’s

• Headaches – Tobacco Smoke, Pollen, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde and VOC’s.

• Lung Cancer

• Nausea – Carbon Monoxide and Formaldehyde

• Nose Irritation – Dust, Soil, Ash, Tobacco Smoke, Pollen, Molds Mildew, Fungus, Bacteria, Virus, Pet Dander, Dust Mites, Formaldehyde and VOC’s.

• Respiratory Infections

• Respiratory Irritation – Tobacco Smoke, Molds, Mildew, Fungus, Bacteria, Virus, Dust Mites, Formaldehyde and VOC’s.

• Skin Rash – Bacteria and Virus

• Throat Irritation – Dust, Soil, Ash, Tobacco Smoke and Formaldehyde.

• Vomiting -  Formaldehyde

To learn more about indoor air quality…