Interior pollution sources is a larger category encompassing items or materials
often found inside the home that lead to significant health issues when inhaled. Most of these hazards
can be classified as a building material, combustion product, or chemical.
The main pollutants produced by building materials are formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead.
Formaldehyde is a chemical found in found in many pressed wood products as well as some
insulations and glues. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral found in older buildings as fire-proofing or acoustic
insulation material. Lead is an elemental pollutant found in some paints as well as contaminated soil,
dust, and water. Inhalation of these pollutants can lead to ear, nose, and throat irritation; cancer, and
damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and blood.
Combustion products in the home include: kerosene heaters, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces. The
main pollutants produced as combustion byproducts are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, respirable
particles, and formaldehyde (see above). Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are colorless, odorless,
tasteless gas byproducts and respirable particles are small particulate byproducts produced during
the combustion process. Inhalation of these pollutants can lead to respiratory tract irritation and
infection, aggravation of asthma and respiratory diseases, cancer, and even death by asphyxiation.
Numerous types of chemicals each with different purposes can be found around the house. Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are the main pollutant produced by chemicals and can be found in
cleaners, paints, paint strippers, disinfectants, wood preservatives, and automotive products. Pesticides
are a type of chemical used to kill household pests and can also be used on lawns and gardens and are
classified as semi-volatile organic compounds. Inhalation of VOCs or pesticides causes eye, nose, and
throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. For
more specific information regarding any pollutants mentioned here, visit the virtual health house.
Tips to reduce exposure to interior pollution:
• To reduce formaldehyde exposure, use
exterior grade pressed wood products
containing phenol resins.
• Leave undamaged asbestos products alone,
and contact a professional if any needs to
be removed.
• Keep children play areas dust free and
clean as possible to reduce lead exposure.
• Do not remove lead paint yourself, if it
needs to be removed hire a professional.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector/ alarm.
• To prevent exposure to combustion byproducts,
vent all furnaces outdoors or
open windows and doors when using an
un-vented heater.
• Change filters on central heating and
cooling systems according to manufactures
instructions to reduce particulate pollution.
• Hire a professional for an annual
maintenance routine for all combustion
products that should include: tune-ups,
check for heat exchanger leakage, evidence
of start-up spillage, and condensation in
chimneys.
• Keep all household chemical products out
of reach of children and pets.
• Use household chemical products
according to manufacturers instructions,
avoid mixing products unless specified on
labels, and have adequate ventilation when
using them.
• Use non-chemical pesticide methods when
possible
http://www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/IndoorPollutantSources.pdf
