Air Pollutants
Usually air pollution is thought of as being outdoors, but the air in your home or office could also be polluted. [pollutant list]
Common Sources
- Biological contaminants like mold and pollen
- Tobacco smoke
- Household products and pesticides
- Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide
- Materials used in the building such as asbestos, formaldehyde and lead
Sick building syndrome occurs when several individuals are affected, but no specific source of the illness is found. Indoor air quality issues will usually cause discomfort only, and most people feel better as soon as they eliminate the source of the pollution, or exit the area that is polluted. However, some pollutants can cause diseases that show up much later, such as respiratory diseases or cancer. Making sure that your building is well-ventilated and eliminating pollutants can improve the quality of your indoor air.