According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality is a greater health hazard than outdoor air pollution with pollutants being up to 100 times higher indoors.
Chemicals emitted by common products can cause irritation, breathing trouble, and even illness
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that are emitted as gases from solids or liquids and easily evaporated into the air at room temperature. Concentrations of these chemicals can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Thousands of products, many that we use every day, or are exposed to everyday, emit VOCs into the air while they are being used, and, to some degree, even when they are stored. These products include:
- Paints & varnishes
- Moth balls
- Solvents
- Building materials
- Pesticides
- Gasoline
- Fuel oil
- Cooking oils, etc.
- Cleaning supplies
- Carpeting
- Wallpaper
- Vinyl flooring
- Dry-cleaning
- Candles
- Growing mold
- Copiers & printers
- Upholstery & fabrics
- Glues & adhesives
- Permanent markers
- Craft materials
- Cosmetics
- Hair care products
- Air fresheners
- Disinfectants
- Furniture (pressed wood)
- Vehicle exhaust
- Tobacco smoke
Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi that can be found almost anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mold growth occurs mainly in warm, damp, and humid conditions. They reproduce by making spores that are released into the air to be transported to other places where they can germinate and grow. When mold is in an active growth phase, it releases gases into the air called Mold Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs). Not all of these gases can be detected by smell.
Molds can grow on wood and insulation, in carpet, and even behind walls where they can continue to grow undetected. When excessive moisture accumulates in the home, mold growth will often occur. This moisture build-up can stem from plumbing leaks, condensation in air conditioning and heating systems, or from ground water penetration as well as many other sources. If damp or wet drywall becomes moist and is not dried out within two days, mold can be suspected to be growing within the walls, even if it is not visible.
When mold is present in large quantities, it can present a health hazard, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems in people who have sensitivities to mold. Molds produce substances that cause hay fever-type symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and skin rashes. These reactions can happen immediately upon exposure, or they can be delayed. More severe reactions may occur in people who have mold allergies, and may include fever and shortness of breath. In addition, molds can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma and who are allergic to mold. Some people with chronic lung illnesses can develop infections in their lungs with prolonged exposure to mold in the home.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of building materials and numerous household products. At room temperature, formaldehyde vaporizes into the air, potentially causing serious health problems. It is also a by-product of combustion processes. When you burn things like natural gas, wood, gasoline, or tobacco, formaldehyde gas is released into the air. The most significant sources of formaldehyde in homes are: pressed wood products like particle board, plywood paneling, and MDF (medium density fiberboard); foam insulation; carpets; drapery fabrics; resins; glues; cigarettes; and un-vented, fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves or kerosene heaters.
Health effects of formaldehyde are eye, nose and throat burning and irritation; nausea; skin rashes; and breathing difficulties in some people. High concentrations of formaldehyde can trigger asthma attacks. Formaldehyde is also considered a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance), classified as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) by the EPA. The World Health Organization recommends levels below 100 ng/L or 80 ppb.
Since formaldehyde is present in so many building materials and household products, every home should be tested for the presence of this toxic chemical.