Indoor Air Pollutants

Uranium is found within granite and other naturally occurring rocks and soils. As it decays, radon-222, a radioactive gas, forms. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation. Being a mutagen, exposure to radon can cause cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.

Dust forms naturally, and mold releases spores. Both of these are types of particulate matter which can irritate the respiratory system and cause cardiac problems, including strokes.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral that used to be used heavily for insulation. These long, thin fibers have since been phased out, but are still present in many older buildings. When it is disturbed or disrupted, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. The inhalation of these fibers can lead to asbestosis and mesothelioma.

VOCs are commonly from household products such as paint, varnishes, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, adhesives, furniture, upholstery, formaldehyde from building materials, plastics, carpeting, and more.

Lead used to be a common additive to paints. As the paint chipped off, it could become airborne and therefore inhaled by people. Lead-based paint is also sweet tasting, so it is a risk that children will intentionally chip it off to eat it.

Indoor combustion, whether from gas furnaces or indoor biomass burning, results in a wide variety of pollutants. Carbon monoxide, PM (in the form of soot, smoke, and ash), nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide are all released. The biggest reason people are exposed to them is poor ventilation, whether it be just a lack of ventilation in a developing nation, or malfunctioning ventilation in the situation of carbon monoxide building up in your home because of your furnace.

Carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant that can cause suffocation, while the others can cause respiratory irritation.