Indoor Air Contaminants
Although asbestos and radon have been listed below, acute health effects are not associated with these contaminants. They have been included due to recent concerns about their health effects. The investigator should be aware that there may be other health effects in addition to those listed.
Indoor air contaminants include the following:
Acetic Acid: A colorless liquid with a strong, pungent odor commonly used in laboratories and various industries.
- Examples: Found in vinegar (diluted form), industrial solvents, caulking products.
- Sources: X-ray development equipment, silicone caulking compounds.
- Acute health effects: Eye, respiratory, and mucous membrane irritation.
Asbestos: A group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their strength and heat resistance, once widely used in construction and insulation materials.
- Examples: Asbestos insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, brake linings.
- Sources: Disturbance of asbestos-containing materials in buildings, shipyards, or automotive products.
- Acute health effects: None known; health risks are chronic and may include asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma after prolonged exposure.
Carbon Dioxide: A colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere and is exhaled by humans during respiration.
- Examples: Carbonated beverages, fire extinguishers, fermentation processes.
- Sources: Unvented gas and kerosene appliances, improperly vented combustion devices, human respiration.
- Acute health effects: Difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, increased respiration rate.
Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas formed by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
- Examples: Car exhaust, faulty gas appliances, tobacco smoke.
- Sources: Fossil-fuel engine exhausts, improperly vented fossil-fuel appliances, tobacco smoke.
- Acute health effects: Dizziness, headache, nausea, cyanosis, cardiovascular effects, and death.
Formaldehyde: A colorless gas with a strong odor, widely used in building materials and household products.
- Examples: Particleboard furniture, insulation, fabrics, adhesives.
- Sources: Off-gassing from insulation, plywood, particle board, paneling, carpeting, glues, adhesives, and combustion products (including tobacco smoke).
- Acute health effects: Allergic reactions, skin rashes, eye, respiratory, and mucous membrane irritation; odor annoyance.
Inorganic Gases: A group of non-carbon-based gases that can cause harmful effects when inhaled, including strong irritants and toxic compounds.
- Examples: Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide.
- Sources: Microfilm equipment, window cleaners, acid drain cleaners, combustion products, tobacco smoke, blueprint equipment.
- Acute health effects: Eye, respiratory tract, and mucous membrane irritation; aggravation of chronic respiratory diseases.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. Acute health effects of Carbon Monoxide are _____.
You forgot to answer the question!