Causes of indoor air pollution can include many different fine particles from different sources. Indoor air pollutants can originate from inside or outside of the home. Radon gas, tobacco smoke, biological pollutants and household products are sources of common pollutants that affect home air quality.
Radon Gas in Homes
One indoor air pollutant is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas called radon gas. When uranium in rock or soil breaks down, it produces radon gas. Radon can seep from the soil underneath the foundation of a home and enter the house through cracks in the floor, drains and, sometimes through well water.
Radon gas exists in low levels outdoors. When radon gas becomes trapped in a home, it can build up, becoming concentrated, and exposure may affect health. Long-term radon exposure can lead to lung cancer.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke is released when a cigarette, pipe or cigar is burned. According to the EPA, “Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a complex mixture of over 4,000 compounds, more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals many of which are strong irritants (Care for Your Air).”
Health risks from smoking are not limited to the smoker. Second hand smoke can cause health risks of respiratory tract infections, especially in young children and those with asthma. Well-documented smoking facts list it as the leading cause of lung cancer. Tobacco smoke poses significant health risks for households where smokers or guests light up.
Biological Pollutants
Biological pollutants are or were living organisms. These pollutants are often invisible and travel through the air. They can reduce indoor air quality. Common biological indoor air pollutants include animal dander, dust mites, viruses, bacteria, pollen, mildew and mold.
Biological pollutants exist in every home; however, the type and amount varies widely. Biological pollutants have differing effects on health. Exposure to biological pollutants may cause no reaction in some individuals or severe allergic reactions in others.
Compounds in Household Products
Compounds used to make some household products contain harmful chemicals that are released into the air. Generally, these chemicals are more concentrated indoors that outdoors. Some household products that contain hazardous chemicals are paints, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, furniture, copiers, printers, glues and permanent markers.
Many of the products that contain harmful chemicals cause eye and respiratory irritation and contain label warnings to reduce chemical exposure to the user. Some of these products are highly toxic and the health effects are not known.
Causes of indoor air pollution are common pollutants that affect home air quality. Indoor air pollutants can pose various health risks. Some pollutants, such as tobacco smoking can be eliminated. Others cannot be eliminated, but can possibly be reduced. For example, limiting exposure to hazardous chemicals in paint can reduce health risks. Indoor air quality can be improved by reducing exposure to common pollutants.
Sources:
EPA, Nov. 2009, Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality. www.epa.gov Accessed Jan 6, 2010.
Medline Plus, July 2009, Indoor Air Pollution. nlm.nih.gov Accessed Jan 6, 2010.
Debbie Baughman - Debbie Baughman is a freelance writer with a variety of interests. She is a lifelong learner who is curious about many subjects. Her ...
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