Indoor Air Quality Pollution Sources

Indoor Air Contaminants & Pollution

Indoor Air Contaminants & Sources2

ContaminationSources 
VOCs
(Volatile Organic Compounds)
Perfumes, hairsprays,
furniture polish
Cleaning solvents
Hobby and craft supplies
Pesticides
Carpet dyes and fibers
Glues, adhesives, sealants.
Paints, stains, varnishes, strippers
Wood preservatives
Dry cleaned clothes, moth repellents
Air fresheners
Stored fuels, and automotive products
Contaminated water
Plastics
FormaldehydeParicleboard, interior-grade plywood
Cabinetry, furniture
Urea Formaldehyde foam insulation
Carpet, fabrics
PesticidesInsecticides, (including termiticides)
Rodenticides
Fungicides, disinfectants
Herbicides (from outdoor use)
LeadLead-based paintExterior dust and soil
Carbon Monoxide
carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide
Improperly operating gas or oil furnace/hot water heater, fireplace, wood stoveUnvented gas heater/kerosene heater
Sulfur DioxideCombustion of sulfur-containing fuels (primarily kerosene heaters) 
RSP (respirable particulates)Fireplace, woodstove
Unvented gas heater
Tobacco products
Unvented kerosene heater
PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)Fireplace, woodstove
Unvented kerosene heater
Tobacco products
ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke)Tobacco products 
Biological contaminantsPlants, animals, birds, humans
Pillows, bedding, house dust
Wet or damp materials
Standing water
Humidifiers, evaporative coolers
Hot water tank
AsbestosPipe and furnace insulation
Ceiling and floor tiles
Full list of Asbestos Sources
Decorative sprays
Shingles and siding
RadonSoil and rock
Some building materials
Water

More Information

For more information, or to request a professional indoor air quality consultation:

 
  1. Yuanhui Zhang (2005) Indoor Air Quality Engineering. CRC Press LLC., 7
  2. Hays, Steve M (1995) Indoor Air Quality Solutions and Strategies. McGraw-Hill Inc., 41
Environmental Testing: Indoor Air Quality Testing, Mold, Asbestos, Labs