Though outdoor air pollution such as smog presents a potential health hazard, the quality of the air inside your house and office building can also impact your health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to indoor pollutants can cause everything from itchy eyes and a sore throat to the exacerbation of diseases such as asthma and emphysema. Knowing what indoor pollutants present a risk will help you identify pollutants in your environment and take steps to remove them.
Smoke
Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that harm not only smokers, but those around them. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke. The EPA reports that exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke increases the episodes of asthma and respiratory infection in children. Tobacco smoke lingers in upholstery and draperies, staining surfaces a dull yellow.
VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals given off by glues, carpeting, pressed wood, wood finishes, copiers and printers, paints and other items commonly found in households. The EPA estimates the concentration of VOCs indoors to be ten times higher than concentrations of these chemicals outdoors. VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, make breathing more difficult and cause headaches. Good ventilation can lower the level of VOCs in the home, as can avoiding the use of VOC-emitting products as much as possible.
Radon
Radon occurs naturally in the environment. In areas where radon exists, it can seep into the home through the foundation. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the EPA. Radon has no odor and is invisible, so the only way to know if you have radon in your home is to test for it. If you find radon, you can take steps, such as adding ventilation to crawl spaces and basements, to remove it from your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Fuel combustion produces carbon monoxide as a by-product. If your home isn't properly ventilated and you have a wood stove or a gas or propane furnace, water heater, stove or dryer, you could be exposed to carbon monoxide. Automobiles running in attached garages also produce carbon monoxide. Like radon, you can't smell or see carbon monoxide. To protect your family, install a carbon monoxide detector. Have gas appliances and heaters checked annually to make sure they're in good working order.
