| 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. |
|
