Facts About Indoor Air Pollution

Often, when we think of air pollution, we picture large industrial smokestacks throwing smoke into the sky. It is easy to forget that the air we breathe in our homes and offices is just as susceptible to air pollution as the air outside. We spend much of our time indoors and often surround ourselves with potentially harmful products and chemicals. Though we often overlook it, indoor air quality is as important an issue as outdoor air quality.

Consequences

• Indoor air pollution can cause a wide variety of problems including asthma, dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, nausea and many respiratory diseases.

Radon

• The American Lung Association estimates that 1 in 15 homes in the United States has radon levels above the United States Environmental Protection Agency's recommended action level.

Common Pollutants

• To help avoid polluting your indoor environment, it is important to read ingredients labels and properly use pesticides, glues, solvents, paint, cleaning supplies, health care products and, ironically, air fresheners.

Biological Pollutants

• Man-made pollutants are not the only causes of indoor air pollution. There are many biological pollutants such as mold, dust mites, viruses, bacteria and pet dander.

Tobacco Smoke

• Secondhand smoke from tobacco products is a common source of indoor air pollution. Researchers have found around 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. Of these chemicals, 200 are known poisons and 43 are known to cause cancer.