Indoor Air Pollution 211
Figure 8.19 summarizes many possible sources of air
pollution in homes.
- What are some common indoor air
contaminants? - Why is indoor air pollution such a serious health
hazard in developing countries? - How does radon gas enter buildings?
Ironically, efforts to make our homes more energy
efficient have increased the hazard of indoor air pol-
lutants, including radon. Drafty homes waste energy
but allow radon to escape outdoors so it does not build
up inside. Every home should be tested for radon be-
cause levels vary widely from home to home, even in
the same neighborhood. Generally, testing and correc-
tive actions are reasonably priced. However, some cor-
rective actions can be expensive, costing thousands of
dollars.
Gasoline
From: auto,
lawn mower
Methylene
chloride
From: paint
strippers and
thinners Tobacco smoke
From: cigarettes
and pipes
Formaldehyde
From: furniture and
carpeting made from
synthetic polymers,
particle board, foam
insulation
Tetrachloroethylene
From: dry-cleaning
fluid
Pesticides
From: gardening
products
Radon
From: uranium-
containing rocks
Carbon monoxide
From: faulty
furnace, auto
left running
Fungi and
bacteria
From: dirty
heating and
air conditioning
ducts
Asbestos
From: pipe
insulation,
vinyl tiles
Ammonia
From:
household
cleaners
Para-dichlorobenzene
From: mothball
crystals, air fresheners
Chloroform
From: chlorine-
treated water
in hot showers
Nitrogen
oxides
From:
unvented
gas
stoves,
wood
stoves,
kerosene
heaters
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Homes may contain higher levels of air pollutants than outside air, even near polluted industrial sites.