Home Health

Indoor Air Hazards

carbon monoxide
A colorless, odorless gas that can build up if a home is not properly ventilated. Can cause death.

combustion pollutants
Particles or gases caused by burning fuel or smoking. Can cause ailments ranging forom minor irritations to death.

formaldehyde
A chemical commonly found within the home. High levels can damage your nervous system.

household products
Aerosols, cleaners, disinfectants, paint, pesticides, and solvents are a few household products that when used improperly, can cause maladies ranging from minor irritation to organ damage.

lead
A metallic element that was commonly used in paint before banned in 1978. Ingested lelad particles can cause developmental and other health-related problems.

moisture & biologicals
Bacteria, dustmites, fungi, mildew and molds can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks.

radon
A naturally occurring, odorless, radioactive gas that can seep in through your basement or well water. High levels can increase your risk of lung cancer.

remodeling hazards
The process of remodeling can disturb hazardous materials that were used in the construction of your home, such as asbestos, lead paint, formaldehyde, etc. See above for health-related effects.

secondhand smoke
A blend of the smoke emitted from a cigar, cigarette, pipe or a smoker's lungs. This smoke contains known cancer-causing substances and is also responsible for many other respiratory problems.

Top Ten Signs you have an Indoor Air Quality Problem

You feel healthier when you leave
your home
Sickness after you remodeled, weatherized, bought new furniture, etc.
Your house has a high humidity level
You notice unusual odors or stale
and stuffy air
There doesn't seem to be proper
air movement
Mold and mildew are present
Your chimneys or flue pipes
are damaged
Your air conditioning or central heating equipment is dirty or defetcive
Your fossil fuel appliances do not have properly ventilated combustion air sources
You smoke tobacco inside the house

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