|
 |
 |
~ Common Indoor Airborne Contaminants ~ |
 |
|
The following is a list of common contaminants found in a typical home that contribute to poor indoor air quality:
1. Fiberglass Insulation: The jagged
edged particles of fiberglass are of even greater
concern than asbestos, which can still be found in older
houses. Urethane is a further concern.
2. Pressed wood in furniture and
flooring: Manufactured with formaldehyde
which is released as gas.
3. Dry Cleaning: Source
of toxic toluenes and PERC.
4. Dust Mites: The
excreta and body paints and plumbing pipes.
5. Lead: Found in older
paints and plumbing pipes.
6. Aerosols in personal care
products: A common source of organic
gases, some of which are suspected carcinogens.
7. Pesticides: Source of
extremely toxic chemical that can be released into
indoor air.
8. Smoke from fireplace or wood
stove: Open fireplaces can produce ash
dust, carcinogenic tars and combustion by products like
carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
9. Wall coverings:
Plasticized wallpapers can emit VOC's; wood panelling
is often manufactured with formaldehyde.
10. Gas Stove: Can be a
source of combustion by-products, such as CO and CO2.
11. Household Cleaning
Products: Can contain many harmful
volatile chemicals, such as benzene and carbon tetrachloride.
12. Draperies: treated
fabrics can contain formaldehyde.
13. Tobacco Smoke:
Tobacco Smoke contains 43 carcinogens, the danger to
nonsmokers from second-hand smoke, especially in children,
is now becoming recognized.
14. Carpets: Source of
formaldehyde. Harbor dust, dust mites and animal
dander.
15. Paints and Solvents:
These are sources of many volatile chemicals, which are
easily vaporized.
16. Fuels: Storage of
gasoline, kerosene, and other fuels can release volatile
chemicals into household air.
17. Pet Dander: Animal
hair and skin flakes are a common source of
allergens.
18. Auto Exhaust: Such
fumes can enter the home from the garage or nearby
traffic flow. Carbon monoxide is the primary
danger, and has a cumulative effect in the human
system.
19. Asbestos: Fibers
reside in lung tissue and can cause lung cancer or
emphysema.
20. Radon: Radon gas is a natural
emission where uranium exists underground. Radon
carries radioactive particles that can be a dangerous
cause of lung cancer.
Information Provided by: Austin
Air
|
Copyright © 2004-2006. Air Care & Restoration Co., Inc. All rights reserved.