We talked recently about the sources of air pollution lurking in our homes. There are up to 60 causes of indoor air pollution. Some, like household cleaning products and scented candles, are easy to spot. However there are many every day household items that may not be so obvious. So we decided to put together a list. Everyday items found in most modern homes that contribute to poor indoor air quality. We’ve also listed the types of pollutants they emit.
| Beauty items | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Bricks and cement | Silicone particles |
| Carpets and rugs | Items can trap air borne pollutants like dust and pet dander. New items can be treated with chemicals that emit VOC’s such as formaldehyde. |
| Cleaning products | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Computers, tablets mobile phones | Ozone |
| Deodorants | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Gas Furnace | Carbon Monoxide |
| Faulty plumbing | Fungi and bacteria. |
| Feather bedding | Dust |
| Foam bedding | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Gas cooking stove | Nitrogen oxides, primarily nitrogen
dioxide. |
| Inadequately cleaned AC systems | Fungi and bacteria. |
| Incense | VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), particulate matter (PM). Gases like sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. |
| Insect Repellant | Pyrethrin |
| Insulation material | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Laundry products | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Paint and varnish | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Particle board furniture | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Pathogens | Many pathogens such as bacterial droplets, viral droplets, and fungal spores remain suspended in the household air after an infection in the family. These droplets settle on household surfaces, further spreading infection. |
| Perfumes | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Pets | Dander |
| Polished wood furniture | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Potpourri | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Printers, copiers and fax machines | Ozone |
| Room fresheners | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Scented candles | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Tobacco smoke, first, second and third hand. | Tobacco smoke contains 7,357 different chemical compounds such as benzene, CO, PAHs, heterocyclic amines, cyanide, formaldehyde, terpenoids, phenols, nicotine, and heavy metals.
These compounds have been termed “obesogens”, as they lead to metabolic syndrome and obesity |
| Upholstery such as heavy drapes, cushions, throws, pillows and sofa covers. | Fire retardant materials contain Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PDBEs) |
| Vinyl flooring | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| Wood Burner | PM2.5 |
| Wooden flooring | VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
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