What are some indoor air pollutants?
There are three main groups of indoor air pollutants: • Biological – eg. mites, bacteria, mould. Bacteria can grow when filters or steam- or mist-producing devices (e.g., humidifiers, shower heads) aren’t kept clean. Mould grows when water infiltrates building materials such as drywall. • Physical – e.g. dust, small particles, asbestos (especially if friable or flaking) • Chemical – e.g. combustion products (i.e., wood or cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide), household products (i.e. paint strippers and cleaning products), and ozone (i.e., from electronics like printers, copiers and fax machines). As well, chemicals like formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and plastics may “off-gas” from paints, floor finishes, glues, recently dry-cleaned clothing, room deodorizers, and household furnishings. Some contaminants enter homes from outdoors, such as radon from soil, vapours from contaminated subsurface groundwater or soil, air emissions from nearby roads and industries,
