Indoor Pollutants
The list of pollutants in your home is long…
Chemical Contaminants
When these contaminants become airborne, they can cause mild to severe respiratory irritation. Here's a list of common chemical contaminants found throughout the home:
- Scented fabric softener sheets
- Scented fabric softener sheets transfer chemicals onto clothing and bedsheets.
- Dry-cleaned clothing
- Dry-cleaned clothing can release chemicals into the air after they are brought into the home.
- Burning candles
- Burning candles release soot and carbon monoxide into the air. Despite the common belief candles actually reduce rather than improve indoor air quality.
- Building materials
- Building materials like paints, adhesives, carpets and particle boards all contain chemical ingredients.
- Common household cleaners
- Common household cleaners including bleach, disinfectant sprays, and ammonia-based cleaners release harmful fumes into the air when used.
- Plug-in scented oils and air fresheners
- Plug-in scented oils and air fresheners can release chemicals into your home, and mask odours rather than improve air quality
- Hobby supplies
- Hobby supplies such as paint and adhesives contain chemicals, sometimes toxic, that may or may not emit a strong odour.
- New furniture and draperies
- That "new smell" emitting from furniture and draperies comes from anti-stain chemical treatments and formaldehyde-based finishes that are releasing into the air.
- Tobacco smoke
- Tobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde.
Biological Contaminants
These contaminants may cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation, meaning that avoiding the use of chemical-based products is not enough to improve indoor air quality. Some common biological contaminants:
- Plant pollen
- Plant pollen abundant in spring and summer months, enters homes on shoes, clothing, hair, and pets.
- Dust mites
- Dust mites produce droppings that are highly allergenic, and a prime cause of asthma attacks.
- Dander
- Dander is produced constantly from cats and dogs. Pets constantly shed old skin cells (dander) which become airborne and, if not removed from the air, irritate the eyes and nose, or are inhaled into the lungs and cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation.
- Mold and mildew
- Mold and mildew grow in areas where moist air can't escape, such as wall cavities and basements. Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Preventing mold is key to improving indoor air quality, and protecting your home investment, as mold can also cause structural damage to your home.
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