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Insulation:
The Europeans are even more concerned with the jagged edged particles of fiberglass than
they are with asbestos. Urethane is a further concern. |
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Biological
sources: These include viruses and bacteria carried by humans, animals, soil and
plant debris, pollens from plants, pet dander and saliva, even the protein found in urine
from rats and mice, and mold and mildew. |
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Pressed
Wood Furniture and Flooring: These items are often manufactured with
formaldehyde which is released as a gas. |
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Dry
Cleaning: Dry-cleaning is a source of toxic toluene and PERC. |
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Dust
Mites: The excreta and body parts of dust mites are a common allergen. They
are a particular problem in bedrooms. |
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Lead:
This metal is found in plumbing pipes, older paints and blinds. |
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Aerosols
in Personal Care Products: Personal care products are a common source of
organic gases. Some of these gasses are suspected carcinogens. |
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Gas
Stoves: Gas stoves are a source of combustion by-products. |
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Household
Cleaning Products: Cleaning solutions contain harmful volatile chemicals
that linger in our houses long after we clean. |
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Pesticides:
Whenever we use chemicals to reduce bugs in our homes, we expose ourselves to toxic
chemicals that can be released into indoor air. |
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Smoke
From Wood Stoves or Fireplaces: Open fires can produce ash dust,
carcinogenic tars, and combustion by-products like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. |
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Wall
Coverings: Plasticized wallpapers can emit Volatile Organic Compounds. Wood
paneling is often manufactured with formaldehyde. |
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Draperies:
The treated fabrics of draperies can contain formaldehyde. Curtain folds also
collect dust. |
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Tobacco
Smoke: Tobacco smoke contains 43 known carcinogens. Second-hand smoke
is a special health concern, especially with children. |
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Carpets:
Carpeting is a source of formaldehyde. It also harbors dust, dust
mites, and animal dander. |
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Paints
and Solvents: Paints and solvents are a source of many volatile chemicals
which vaporize easily. |
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Fuels:
Stored gasoline, kerosene and other fuels release volatile chemicals into household air. |
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Pet
Dander: Animal skin flakes and hair are a common source of allergens. |
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Auto
Exhaust: Exhaust fumes enter the home from the garage or nearby
traffic. Carbon monoxide is a primary danger. It has a cumulative effect in
the human system. |
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Asbestos:
Asbestos insulation on pipe cladding can release carcinogenic particles into the air,
especially during house repairs. Asbestos fibers can cause emphysema and lung
cancer. |
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Radon:
Radon gas is a natural emission where uranium exists underground. Radon carries
radioactive particles that can cause lung cancer. |