The effects of indoor air pollutants range from short-term effects – eye and throat irritation – to long-term effects – respiratory disease and cancer. Exposure to high levels of some pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, can even result in immediate death. Also, some indoor pollutants can magnify the effects of other indoor pollutants. Based on cancer risk alone, federal scientists have ranked indoor air pollution as one of the most important environmental problems in the United States.
Symptoms of poor indoor air quality are very broad and depend on the contaminant. They can easily be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses such as allergies, stress, colds and influenza. The most common symptoms are:
If you notice relief from your symptoms soon after leaving a particular room or building, your symptoms may be caused by indoor air contaminants.
Consult the EPA’s Health Effect Symptom Reference Chart to determine the cause of the particular health effect:
Consult the EPA’s Health Effect Symptom Reference Chart to determine the cause of the particular health effect:
For a full list of the causes, sources, and contaminants of indoor air quality health effects:
For more information, or to request a professional indoor air quality consultation:
Call 315-299-2467