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AIR QUALITY IN THE HOME
Illinois Dept. of Public Health
Supported in part by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act trust fund through a cooperative agreement with the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
The quality of air in residential buildings has become an important issue
to homeowners and health professionals. Indoor air pollution studies
have identified several contaminants that can be present in indoor air.
These include combustion products, volatile organic compounds
(including formaldehyde), tobacco smoke, bioaerosols, and pesticides.
Proper ventilation and elimination of the sources of these contaminants
are important in maintaining good indoor air quality.
WHAT IS INDOOR AIR POLLUTION?
Indoor air pollution is usually caused by the accumulation of contaminants
from various sources inside a home. Emissions from fireplaces, stoves,
cigarettes, cleaning products, newer building materials, and chemicals stored
in the home can cause indoor air problems. People living in this type of
environment may experience adverse health effects from breathing these
contaminants.
Many factors contribute to indoor air pollution.
Adding insulation and caulking to weatherize
the home to save on energy costs can reduce
air circulation and trap contaminants inside the
home. Outdoor "make-up air" cannot enter the
home and dilute contaminants. This is why
health effects caused by indoor air pollution are
often called "tight building syndrome" or “sick
building syndrome.”