Indoor Air Pollutants and Symptoms

from Exposure 

   Mold  

Exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.

      Formaldehyde  (HCHO)

Formaldehyde irritates the nose, eyes and throat. These irritations can happen when exposed to low levels of formaldehyde. Other short-term effects include headache, runny nose, nausea and difficulty breathing. Exposure may cause wheezing, asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

Symptoms include temporary irritation of eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat are often reported. 

Total Volatile Organic Compounds(TVOC)

​Symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and fatigue, allergies
nasal and sinus congestion, wheezing and coughing.

In addition to these symptoms, high levels of TVOCs can cause severe symptoms in children and adults with underlying health conditions. For example, VOCs may trigger or worsen asthma attacks in at-risk individuals. It can also cause other respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.​

      Radon  

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you've been exposed to high levels of radon, it's very important to quit smoking.

      Ozone  

Ozone Generators are often used to help eliminate odors. When improperly used, health risks are likely. People exposed to elevated levels of ozone may experience a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom is a feeling of irritation in the eyes, nose and throat. Some people may also experience respiratory or heart symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing.

      Carbon Monoxide  

Inhalation: Low concentrations are not harmful. A high concentration can displace oxygen in the air. If less oxygen is available to breathe, symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, clumsiness, emotional upsets and fatigue can result. As less oxygen becomes available, nausea and vomiting, collapse, convulsions, coma and death can occur.

      Dust Mites  

Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that commonly live in house dust. Signs of dust mite allergy include those common to hay fever, skin rashes, sneezing and runny nose. Many people with dust mite allergy also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

      Pet Dander  

People suffering from pet allergies will have symptoms consistent with hay fever. This includes a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and shortness of breath. Coming into physical contact with pet dander can cause contact dermatitis, or a skin rash, hives or trigger a person's asthma.