| 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, | 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 | Adhesives, pesticides, paints, cleaners, waxes, heaters, tobacco, automobile exhaust. | Respiratory tract irritation and cancer. |
