Indoor Air pollutants

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), commonly known as secondhand smoke, includes the smoke from the burning end of cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, as well as the smoke exhaled by smokers. It contains over 4,000 chemical compounds, with more than 40 known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and many other strong irritants.ETS exposure is especially harmful to young children due to their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates. ETS exposure nearly doubles their risk of developing respiratory infections such as Pneumonia and Bronchitis.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that originates from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. When radon gas is released, it can seep into homes and buildings through
Dirt floors, Cracks in concrete walls and floors ,Floor drains and Sumps. As radon enters indoor spaces, it can accumulate, especially in poorly ventilated areas like basements. Elevated radon levels indoors pose significant health risks, with lung cancer being the primary concern. In fact, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., after smoking, contributing to thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths annually.

Biological agents are a significant category of indoor pollutants that can impact health, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. These agents include a variety of organic materials, such as Animal dander, saliva, urine, Bacteria, Cockroaches, House dust mites, Mildew, Molds, Pollen, and Viruses.

Fuel-burning appliances including cooking stoves, furnaces and water heaters can create emissions that are harmful to our health and the environment. The major pollutants released include Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Radon, and Particulates.

Building materials, home improvement products, and textiles used in the home can pose health risks. Some construction processes and products, like paint and carpets, can make the air we breathe indoors unhealthy. The harmful pollutants found in building construction and furnishings includes : 

• Asbestos

• Building and Paint Products

• Carpets and Rugs

• Formaldehyde

• Lead

Scents and chemicals in our environment can affect indoor air quality and health. Some are natural, while others are synthetic. Some are safe, while others can be harmful to our health which includes :

• Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals : Releases Ammonia, pesticides contain chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system and Phthalates.

• Volatile Organic Compounds : commonly found in Paints and solvents, Air fresheners and Disinfectants. Exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure has been associated with more serious health effects like liver or kidney damage and even cancer in some cases.

• Essential Oils : often used for their pleasant fragrances. Certain oils can cause respiratory irritation, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.