 | POLLUTANT | SOURCE | HEALTH EFFECTS |
|
| Asbestos | Building materials,
including insulation and
acoustical ceilings | Lung diseases, including lung
cancer. |
|
| Formaldehyde | Foam insulation inside
walls, particle board,
plywood. | Respiratory tract irritation, cancer. |
|
| Radon | Comes from the earth
through cracks in the
foundation and from well water. | Lung cancer. |
|
| Carbon monoxide | Gas appliances, fireplaces,
wood stoves, tobacco
smoke. | Blocks oxygen from the body, progressively causing fatigue,
headaches, confusion, nausea,
dizziness and death |
|
| Nitrogen dioxide | Gas appliances, fireplaces,
wood stoves. | Eye and respiratory tract irritation and infection; long-term exposure causes bronchitis. |
|
| Biological agents,
such as mold,
mildew and fungus | Improperly maintained
air ducts, air conditioners,humidifiers, dehumidifiers,
air filters and carpets. | Diseases characterized by watery eyes, sneezing, lethargy, rashes coughing, and breathing and digestive problems. |
|
| Organic compounds, such as ammonia benzene, chlorine and acetone | Cleaners, waxes, paint,pesticides,adhesives,
insulation, plywood,
furniture, chlorine,
mothballs, dry-cleaned
items and automobiles. | Respiratory tract and eye irritation.
Many of the substances cause cancer. |
|
| Lead | Paint and automobile
exhaust. | Attacks the nervous system and
the brain. |
|
| Aromatic
hydrocarbons | Adhesives, pesticides,
paints, cleaners, waxes,
heaters, tobacco,
automobile exhaust. | Respiratory tract irritation and cancer. |
|
|
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