Indoor Air Health Risks
Environmental laws generally regulate releases of toxic chemicals into the air and water but rarely regulate emissions into the indoor environment. Indoor air may be contaminated with numerous toxic substances and other pollutants often times at levels that exceed the limits allowable for the outdoor environment.

Because people spend up to 90% of their time indoors,  long- term exposure to even low levels of toxic substances may cause health problems particularly for sensitive individuals such as the elderly and children.

Vapor Intrusion is becoming an increasing concern at contaminated sites under development and older sites where cleanups may have been completed but the potential for vapor intrusion was not thoroughly examined. Readers should click on the articles link for articles on vapor intrusion.

Some of the more prevalent indoor air contaminants and their associated health problems include:

Asbestos – (found in spray insulation, pipewrapping) chest and abdominal cancers and lung disease.

Carbon monoxide - (appliances using oil, gas,kerosene, coal, or wood) - fatigue, headaches, nausea, fatal at high concentrations.

Dust mites and animal dander - eye, nose, and throat irritation, asthma.

Formaldehyde- (particleboard, carpet, insulation, and commonly used glues) - eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, may cause cancer.

Lead Paint- learning and behavioral problems, impaired hearing.

Mold and mildew- (wet or damp carpet or other materials, central air systems and humidifiers) - eye, nose, and throat irritation,lethargy, digestive problems, asthma, influenza and other infections diseases.

Pesticides - eye, nose, and throat irritation, damage to central nervous system and kidney.

Radon - lung and stomach cancer.

Tobacco smoke - eye, nose, and throat irritation, lung cancer, and increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections in children.

Volatile Organic Compounds- (consumer products, glues, whiteout, paints, deodorizers, cleansers, adhesives, drycleaners in buildings, mothballs, disinfectants, synthetic building materials and furnishings)- cancer, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, lethargy