Sources of Poor Air Quality

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Most people spend at least 8-12 hours a day in their home, and many additional hours if they work from home. 

Indoor air quality is a year-round challenge 

• Spring- brings mold, pollen and other issues
• Summer-  brings excessive humidity, creating mold conducive conditions
• Fall- brings additional allergens as well
• Winter- most homes are closed tightly and indoor pollutants and contaminants get concentrated at higher levels

The EPA warns that VOCs become concentrated indoors and at much higher levels than those found outdoors.

To learn more about air quality go to 

https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

VOC's are gases that are emitted into the air from 

many sources. VOC's are harmful and classified 

as potential cancer causing agents. 

VOCs in household products

• Plug-in air fresheners and moth repellents
• Cleansers and disinfecting supplies
• Dry-cleaned clothing
• Scented dryer sheets 
• Fragrant candles 
• Cosmetic products 
• Pesticides
• Upholstered furnishings
• Carpet and vinyl flooring
• Graphics and craft materials 
• Copiers and printers
• Permanent markers
• Craft adhesives and glues
• Composite wood products (flooring and furniture)
• Stored fuels, automotive products, lacquers and paint strippers

Some of the more common household VOCs are....

phthalates (air fresheners), benzene (from paint) formaldehyde (from carpets)

and toluene (found in glues)

Short term effects of exposure includes respiratory issues, eye and throat irritation, loss of coordination, dizziness, fatigue and exacerbation of asthma

Long term effects include cancer, liver and kidney damage as well as central nervous system damage

Formaldehyde exposure increases the risk of allergic sensitization to other allergens