11 Indoor Air Contaminants and Their Health Effects

Did you know that one of the greatest dangers to your health is inside your own home?

Research [1] has linked both indoor and outdoor air pollution to a wide range of health conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Cancer;
• Cardiovascular disease;
• Alzheimer’s;
• Respiratory conditions;
• and more!

Air pollution, and particularly indoor pollution, is a threat that you would do well to take seriously. To help you understand the full extent of the danger you face, we’ve created this post to give you the full scoop on indoor air contaminants and their dangers.

11 Contaminants and What They Do

In the sections below we’ll look at the most common contaminants and how they affect your health – from asthma and allergies to more serious damage, even death.

You’ll see how serious the problem is, and by the time you get to the end, you’ll be ready to put into practice the strategies we’ll share for cleaner indoor air.

Mold and Mildew: Respiratory Issues and Allergies

Mold is as natural to the outdoor environment as trees, flowers, bees, and grass. It grows in environments that are damp, dark, and warm. It plays a role in breaking down dead organic matter (for example, fallen leaves or rotting trees). Mold entirely harmless outdoors.

Indoors, unfortunately, it can be a real threat.

You see, when mold spores grow in damp spots inside your home, they can release allergens, irritants, or even toxic substances in some rare cases. Homes plagued with mold (or mildew, which is a fungi similar to mold) may be known to cause symptoms similar to hay fever.

Symptoms to look out for include:

• Sneezing;
• Runny nose;
• Skin rash (dermatitis);
• Red eyes.

It’s estimated that up to 10% of the population has allergic antibodies to mold though not all experience symptoms[2. But even those without mold allergies may still find themselves suffering if mold or mildew is present in your home.

Long-term mold exposure can lead to a variety of health issues such as asthma, upper respiratory problems, immune changes, and even neurological conditions.

It’s imperative that you control indoor mold growth by reducing the amount of moisture inside your house. Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels and address any leaks that could be causing excess moisture buildup where mold and mildew could grow.

For existing mold problems, it’s the smart play to hire a contractor to get rid of the problem before it spreads farther into your home.

Asbestos Fibers: Risks of Lung Disease and Cancer

Asbestos is a serious problem common to older homes. Asbestos was widely used in homes built before the 1980s (though some built between 1980 and 1990 still used it) [3], because it made both a powerful insulator and resilient fire retardant.

Asbestos may be found in:

• Coating for hot water pipes;
• Heat-resistance fabrics;
• Roofing and siding shingles;
• Vinyl floor tiles (often on the backing);
• Textured paint;
• Patching compounds;
• Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves, which were protected using asbestos paper or other asbestos containing materials;
• Wall and attic insulation (anything containing vermiculite).

There are very serious health risks that come from exposure to asbestos, primarily lung disease. The reason is that asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged inside the alveoli in your lungs. The asbestos fibers irritate your lung tissue and cause scarring, which in turn leads to stiffening of your lungs.

Over time, the progressive scarring of lung tissue prevents the normal expansion and contraction of the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties. This chronic lung disease is called asbestosis.

People who suffer from asbestosis are more likely to develop lung cancer. Smoking can exacerbate the damage caused by asbestos fibers and accelerate the scarring and deterioration of lung tissue.

The big problem is that symptoms of asbestos inhalation tend to be incredibly mild at first – so mild, in fact, you may not even realize your lungs are being damaged. It’s often only decades after your exposure that you notice the long-term effects. By then, it’s too late.

Radon Gas: The Invisible Radioactive Threat

Radon is a radioactive gas, but one that occurs naturally. It’s produced when uranium (found in ordinary soil) breaks down. It’s odorless, tasteless, and invisible.

When radon is released from the ground outdoors, it’s instantly diluted to levels that are generally safe for humans. However, radon can seep into your home – through cracks in your foundation, construction joints, drains and pipes, window casements, even your sump. In enclosed spaces, an accumulation of radon gas can be a serious public health concern.

When inhaled, radon gas decays into radioactive particles. These particles release tiny energy bursts that the lung tissue absorbs, which damages the lung cells. Over time, those damaged cells may reproduce, leading to higher risk of cancerous growths.

It turns out that radon gas is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon indoors drastically raises your risk of developing lung cancer. If you are also a smoker, your risk increases exponentially – from 1 in 20 for high radon exposure, to 1 in 16 for combined radon gas exposure and smoking [4].

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent but Deadly Gas

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas, but a highly toxic one.

It’s not uncommon to be exposure to some level of carbon monoxide from all sorts of appliances and sources, including:

• Leaking furnaces and chimneys;
• Gas space heaters;
• Kerosene space heaters;
• Gas cooking stoves;
• Gasoline-powered generators and equipment;
• Tobacco smoke;
• Vehicle exhaust.

If carbon monoxide builds up in your home, it can start to cause serious health problems.

CO causes carboxyhemoglobin to form in your blood, which reduces oxygen intake.

Here is what symptoms occur depending on your level of exposure:

• At low carbon monoxide levels, you may experience headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and chest pain (particularly those with heart disease).
• At moderate carbon monoxide concentrations, you may experience confusion, impaired coordination, or shortness of breath.
• When CO levels reach high concentrations, the symptoms can be serious: impaired coordination and vision, headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. CO exposure can even be fatal.

While some carbon monoxide is unavoidable (particularly in older homes), you can reduce your risk of CO exposure or poisoning by using well-vented gas appliances, using the correct fuel in gas or kerosene space heaters, install an exhaust fan over your gas stove, and opening your flue if you are using the fireplace.

Also, never let your car idle inside a closed garage.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Eye and Throat Irritation

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are any number of chemical gases released into your home by solids or liquids.

Some products that release VOCs include:

• Paint products;
• Varnishes;
• Wax;
• Disinfectants and cleaning supplies;
• Cosmetics;
• Degreasers;
• Hobby products;
• Fuels;
• Air fresheners;
• Moth repellents;
• Pesticides;
• Furniture.

When you inhale these chemical gases, you may experience side effects. The most common side effect is irritation of your eyes, nose, and throat.

However, in greater concentration, VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and loss of coordination. Long-term exposure can lead to kidney and liver damage, central nervous system damage, and even cancer.

Because VOCs were more recently identified as indoor pollutants, long-term studies have linked them to organ damage. This includes the liver, kidney, central nervous system, and potentially cancer.

VOCs are of vital importance to avoid whenever possible and are not something you want in your home.

Particulate Matter: Fine Dust and Lung Damage

Particulate matter is the name given specifically to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air.

Particulate matter is released by:

• Cleaning;
• Cooking;
• Animals;
• Pests;
• Plants;
• Mold and mildew;
• Use of gas or kerosene heaters;
• Smoking;
• Printers;
• Indoor chemical use.

Of greatest concern to your health are particulates smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These pose the biggest risk as they are small enough that they wind up not only inhaled into your lungs, but also get into your bloodstream.

Particle pollution has been linked to a number of health conditions, including asthma, decreased lung function, respiratory issues, irregular heartbeats, and non-fatal heart attacks. It has even been known to shorten longevity and lead to premature death in people suffering from lung or heart disease.

Secondhand Smoke: Health Risks of Indoor Tobacco Use

The smoke released by cigarettes, marijuana, and e-cigarettes expose users and bystanders to chemicals that could be hazardous to your health.

The chemicals released into the air by these smoking products can trigger immediate health problems, including respiratory issues, respiratory infections, asthma, and inflammation.

In the long-term, health problems may include damage to the blood vessels, higher risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and worsened reproductive health.

In infants, secondhand smoke has been linked to increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

When you smoke or vape indoors, the enclosed space causes the toxic smoke to grow more concentrated, leading to higher risk for those who are exposed to it, even if they’re non-smokers.

But the particles and chemicals are also absorbed into furniture, fabrics, and or even on hard surfaces. These chemicals can be released into the air at a later date, leading to thirdhand exposure.

For the sake of your health, never smoke indoors unless otherwise unavoidable. And if you have to smoke indoors, make sure to do so near an open door or window where fresh air can come in and the smoke can blow away.

Formaldehyde: Emissions from Furniture and Flooring

Formaldehyde is a chemical used in a wide range of construction and household products.

It can be found in:

• Composite wood products (like MDF, hardwood plywood, and particleboard);
• Insulation and other building materials;
• Glues;
• Paints, coatings, and lacquers;
• Preservatives;
• Some fabric softeners and dishwashing liquids;
• Pesticides;
• Fertilizers;
• Emissions from kerosene space heaters or gas stoves;
• Cigarette smoke.

Formaldehyde exposure can lead to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, skin irritation, watery or burning eyes, and a burning sensation in the throat and/or nose.

Long-term exposure to the chemical has been linked to a higher risk of cancer [5].

Biological Pollutants: Dust Mites, Pet Dander, and Pollen

Biological pollutants is a broad umbrella term given to a wide range of indoor contaminants, including:

• Dust mites;
• Animal dander;
• Pollen;
• Viruses (transmitted from animals and humans);
• Mold;
• Bacteria;
• Insect droppings and body parts;
• Contaminated central air heating or cooling;
• Rat and mice urine (which contains a powerful allergen that is released when dried).

These pollutants are often small enough to be inhaled and can trigger immune responses or cause irritation to the lungs and airways. They can cause asthma, allergic rhinitis, or even hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Other symptoms of exposure to biological pollutants in your home may include coughing, dizziness, lethargy, sneezing, shortness of breath, and fever especially in those with allergies or weakened immune systems.

Given that the biological pollutant is present in your home (an enclosed space with inadequate ventilation), any symptoms that they cause will return frequently (or even daily) with repeated exposure. Those with allergies or who are more susceptible to breathing problems may find they are ill more often or suffering from more serious symptoms.

The key to preventing these harmful pollutants from causing problems is to get rid of them. Here is how:

• Use exhaust fans to improve indoor air movement.
• Ventilate your crawl spaces and attic to curb moisture buildup and insect or rodent infestation.
• Vacuum your carpets and beat your rugs and mattress regularly.
• Clean regularly to prevent the buildup of contaminants.

Nitrogen Dioxide: Combustion Appliances Hazard

Nitrogen dioxide is produced during the combustion process, when fire burns fuel in your gas stove, vehicle, kerosene space heater, or welding machine. Smoking can also release nitrogen dioxide in your home, as can any vented appliances that are incorrectly installed or defective.

Nitrogen dioxide is a known irritant to the throat, eyes, and nose, as well as your respiratory tract.

Low levels of exposure can be a problem for asthmatics, decrease lung function among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and elevate your risk of respiratory diseases and infections. High levels of exposure can lead to lung injuries and pulmonary edema.

To reduce your risk of nitrogen dioxide poisoning, consider the following:

• Always open your flue if burning wood in your fireplace.
• Make sure your gas appliances are properly installed and vented.
• Use the right fuel in your kerosene space heaters.
• Use an exhaust fan in your home to vent air to the outdoors.
• Never idle your car inside your garage.

Ozone from Indoor Air Purifiers: Unexpected Harm

Air purifiers are built to cleanse the air inside your home, but sometimes they can do more harm than good.

Certain air purifiers intentionally emit ozone, which is intended to eradicate and neutralize airborne particles, bacteria, viruses, mold, odors, and harmful chemicals.

However, it turns out that ozone isn’t particularly effective at cleaning the air, especially when it’s present below health standards [6]. It can’t really eliminate many chemical pollutants, ultrafine particles, or formaldehyde.

What it does is irritate or even harm the cells in your respiratory tract.

Ozone exposure can cause swelling in the cells that line your airways and lungs, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms:

• Coughing;
• Shortness of breath;
• Chest tightness;
• Impaired breathing;
• Worsened asthma symptoms, or even the development of asthma;

Long-term, high-level exposure to ozone may cause permanent damage to your lungs and increase risk of chronic respiratory diseases.

Be smart and safe and avoid using any ozone-generating air purifiers in your home.

Conclusion: Strategies for Cleaner Indoor Air

As you’ve seen above, these 11 indoor air pollutants are fairly common, fairly hard to avoid, and have the potential to cause serious problems.

The good news is that you don’t have to let them.

It will take some effort on your part, but you can improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure risk by:

• Getting rid of any wet spots where mold or mildew could grow;
• Making sure your home is well ventilated to prevent the buildup of indoor radon gas, carbon monoxide, and VOCs;
• Avoiding smoking or vaping;
• Vacuuming your carpets and wash your sheets, bedding, rugs, and curtains regularly;
• Wiping down your hard surfaces with natural cleaning products;
• Avoiding any products that release chemicals (off-gassing);
• Avoiding any ozone-generating air purifiers;
• Never letting your car idle inside a closed garage.

A few simple preventative measures to reduce household air pollution can make a massive difference in cleaning up the air you breathe indoors.

Even if you take every step to improve your home’s air quality, your body may still need help processing and clearing out the toxins you’ve already been exposed to. That’s where internal detoxification becomes crucial.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which two pollutants are most often found in indoor air?

The two most common pollutants found in indoor air are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and fine particulate matter. VOCs are released from cooking, cleaning, and household products. Particulate matter is present due to cooking, cleaning, pets, mold, pollen, and a host of other sources.

How to test indoor air quality?

An indoor air quality monitor is designed to detect particulates in the air. They also monitor for biological contaminants, odors, chemicals, and any other pollutants. You can also bring in professional testing services to identify any “trouble spots” or appliances that could be releasing pollutants and causing poor indoor air quality.

How do you detox indoor air?

Open up all your doors and windows, and run exhaust fans to blow the indoor air outdoors and let fresh air in. Use an air purifier that contains an HEPA filter to scrub particulates and contaminants you’re your indoor spaces.

Resources

Indoor Pollutants and Sources

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

What Makes Indoor Air Unhealthy?

Indoor Air Pollution, Related Human Diseases, and Recent Trends in the Control and Improvement of Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality

Hidden harms of indoor air pollution

Indoor Air and Health