Other Indoor Air Problems
Radon is another gas. It can come into homes from the ground below them. You cannot see, taste, or smell radon. Radon is found all over the United States. Radon can cause lung cancer. In fact, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. If you smoke and your home has high levels of radon, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Combustion appliances are one source of possible air pollution
Sometimes indoor air pollution comes from what people do in their home.
Tobacco smoking causes cancer and other major health problems. It’s unsafe for children to be around smokers. Second-hand or environmental tobacco smoke can raise children’s risk of ear infections and breathing problems. It can trigger asthma attacks too.
Many families have pets. However, furry pets cause problems for some people. Pets can make asthma and allergies act up, especially if you keep them in sleeping areas.
Hobbies and home projects sometimes involves sanding, painting, welding, or using solvent chemicals, like varnish or paint strippers. (A solvent is a chemical that can dissolve something else. Solvents are usually liquid.) Home projects can pollute the air with dust or harmful chemicals.
Sometimes indoor air pollution comes from what people have in their homes.
Some household products, especially those with solvents, can pollute the air if you don’t use them the right way.
New furniture, carpets, and building products may give off chemicals that were used in the making. Some of these chemicals can harm people, especially children.
If your home was built before 1978, the paint may have lead in it. Lead is very dangerous for young children.
There are simple, but important steps you can take to find our what is causing poor air quality. The questions below can help you find problems around your home. This section will give you ideas of what to do. Look at the chapters on asthma and allergies, mold, carbon monoxide to learn more about indoor air problems. Remember, making your home a safer, healthier place to live may mean taking several steps.
Source: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov
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