When you think of pollution, car exhaust and other outdoor pollutants that contribute to poor outdoor air quality may come to mind. But retreating to the indoors doesn't necessarily protect you from unhealthy contaminants. In fact your home may contain a number of pollutants, some of which can pose serious health threats. The short and long-term effects of indoor air pollution can range from headaches and eye irritation to respiratory conditions and even cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency says pollution sources that emit gases or particles are the main sources of reduced indoor air quality.
Household Products
A number of everyday household products can release intermittent or continuous indoor air pollution. Common culprits of sporadic pollution include cleaning solvents and paint strippers, while products like air fresheners can emit pollutants continuously.
The chemicals contained in air fresheners may cause eye, throat and skin irritation and eventually lead to lung problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Mold
Indoor sources of air pollution include biological contaminants like mold, notes Medline Plus. The accumulation of excess moisture on wood, insulation and other building materials can be an attractive breeding ground for mold. Mold can also develop on wet carpets. Mold growth can be managed by addressing the source of indoor moisture, notes the EPA.
Exposure to mold may cause headaches, skin irritations and problems breathing. Mold may also worsen asthma symptoms.
Gases and Other Combustion Sources
Gases like carbon monoxide and radon can contribute to indoor air pollution. For example, a defective gas stove can release more carbon monoxide than one that is operating properly, notes the EPA.
Radon originates in the ground and can seep through a homes foundation into dirt floors, floor drains and tiny cracks in hollow-blockwalls.
Carbon monoxide poisoning claims over 200 lives annually in the U.S., while long-term radon exposure has been associated with up to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year, reports North Carolina Public Health.
Other combustion sources of indoor air pollution include coal, oil, kerosene and wood.
Formaldehyde and Asbestos
Building materials that contain formaldehyde and asbestos may result in indoor air pollution. Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas found in pressed wood products such as wall paneling, fiberboard, hardwood floors and cabinetry. Formaldehyde can nausea, watery eyes and burning sensations in the eyes and throat, according to the EPA.
Insulation, acoustical and fireproofing materials may contain asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibers may cause lung diseases and cancer.
Tobacco Smoke
Smoke from cigars, pipes and cigarettes are sources of intermittent indoor air pollutions. Secondhand smoke contains dozens of cancer causing substances, according to Medline Plus.
Health effects of smoke pollution may include nose, eye and throat irritation and headaches. Long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer and a greater risk of heart disease, notes Pollution Issues.com.
