Studied by 2 people
Major indoor air pollutants with description, sources, and health effects!!
Lead
Description: A toxic metal
Sources: Lead- based paint and dust, solder or pipes and food cans, contaminated soil and drinking water
Health Effects: In adults there is an increase in blood pressure, kidney damage, digestive and reproductive problems. In children there is problems with hearing, growth and learning. There is also lack of coordination and hyperactivity.
Nitrogen Dioxide (N02)
Description: Colorless, odorless gas
Sources: Kerosene heaters, gas stoves and furnaces, and environmental tobacco smoke
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, shortness of breath, and increased risk of respiratory disease.
Asbestos (A)
Description: Mineral fiber
Sources: Deteriorating, damaged, or disturbed insulation, flooring, siding, and roofing.
Health Effects: Lung scarring canger and lung cancer
Formaldehyde (F)
Description: Chemical used in industry, by-product of combustion
Sources: Pressed wood products, glues, cabinets, and furniture, permanent press clothing, insulation, and environmental tobacco smoke.
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rash, severe allergic reaction, may cause cancer
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Description: Mixture of materials in smoke
Sources: Cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, exhaled smoke
Health Effects: eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, lung cancer, respiratory and ear infections, heat disease, and asthma.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Description: Colorless, odorless gas
Sources: Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, environmental tobacco smoke, fireplaces and chimneys, furnaces, motor vehicles, and gas stoves
Health Effects: Fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion and disorientation, nausea, and death
Biological Contaminants (BC)
Description: Bacteria, molds, viruses, mildew, pollen, cockroaches, dander, dust mites
Sources: Wet or moist walls, ceilings, carpets, or furniture; air conditioners and humidifiers; bedding; and household pets
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, shortness of breath, dizziness, fever, digestive problems, infectious diseases, asthma
Organic Chemicals (OC)
Description: Ingredients in household products
Sources: Paints, hobby supplies, aerosol sprays, cleaners, automotive products, dry-cleaned clothing, disinfectants
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, memory impairment, damage to the central nervous system and kidneys, possible increased risk of cancer
Pesticides (P)
Description: Toxic chemicals
Sources: Bug sprays, lawn and garden treatments, rodent sprays, flea and tick powders
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, muscle twitching, nausea, headaches, damage to the central nervous system and liver, increased risk of cancer
Radon (R)
Description: Colorless, odorless, radioactive gas
Sources: Rocks and soil beneath the home, well water
Health Effects: Second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (after smoking)
