Indoor
air pollution, also known as "tight building syndrome," results from
conditions in modern, high energy efficiency buildings, which have reduced
outside air exchange, or have inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination,
and microbial contamination. Indoor air pollution can produce various symptoms,
such as headache, nausea, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. In addition
houses are affected by indoor air pollution emanating from consumer and
building products and from tobacco smoke.
Below are listed some pollutants
found in houses:
Asbestos
Sources:
Old or damaged insulation, fireproofing, or acoustical tiles.
Effects:
Many years later, chest and abdominal cancers and lung diseases
Sources:
Bacteria, mold and mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, mites, cockroaches,
and pollen.
Effects:
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; shortness of breath; dizziness; lethargy;
fever; digestive problems; asthma; influenza and other infectious diseases
Sources:
Unvented kerosene and gas heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; wood stoves and
fireplaces; gas stoves; automobile exhaust from attached garages; tobacco smoke.
Effects:
At low levels, fatigue at higher levels, impaired vision and coordination; headaches;
dizziness; confusion; nausea; Fatal at very high concentrations
Formaldehyde
Sources:
Plywood, wall paneling, particle board, fiber-board; foam insulation; fire and
tobacco smoke; textiles, and glues.
Effects:
Eye, nose, and throat irritations; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe
allergic reactions; may cause cancer
Lead
Sources:
Automobile exhaust; sanding or burning of lead paint; soldering.
Effects:
Impaired mental and physical development in children; decreased coordination
and mental abilities; kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells damage
Mercury
Sources:
Some latex paints.
Effects:
Vapors can cause kidney damage; long-term exposure can cause brain damage
Nitrogen
dioxide
Sources:
Kerosene heaters, unvented gas stoves and heaters; tobacco smoke.
Effects:
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; may impair lung function and increase respiratory
infections in young children. (The Handy
Science Answer Book, compiled by the Science and Technology department of the
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh)
