Glossary
Asbestos
A group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once widely used in construction for insulation and fire-retardant properties, now known to cause severe lung diseases when its fibers are inhaled.
Example:
Older homes might contain asbestos in pipe insulation or ceiling tiles, which becomes hazardous if disturbed during renovations, releasing dangerous fibers into the air.
Asphyxiation
A condition of severe oxygen deprivation that can lead to unconsciousness or death, often caused by the inability to breathe normally or by displacement of oxygen in the blood.
Example:
If a car is left running in an enclosed garage, the buildup of exhaust fumes can cause asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide binding to hemoglobin instead of oxygen.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
A colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.
Example:
A faulty furnace in a poorly ventilated basement can release carbon monoxide (CO), leading to dizziness and nausea in the home's occupants.
Formaldehyde
A common type of VOC, a pungent, colorless gas used in many building materials, furniture, and household products, known to cause respiratory and other health issues.
Example:
New particleboard furniture or certain types of insulation can release formaldehyde into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution.
Indoor Air Pollutants
Substances found inside buildings that can negatively impact human health, originating from various sources within or entering the structure.
Example:
Poor ventilation in a home can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, and cleaning product fumes, causing respiratory issues for residents.
Radon-222
A radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that naturally forms from the decay of uranium in soil and rocks, capable of seeping into buildings.
Example:
Homes built on granite bedrock might have higher levels of Radon-222 seeping into their basements, increasing the risk of lung cancer for residents.
Sick Building Syndrome
A condition in which occupants of a building experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
Example:
An office building with sealed windows and a poorly maintained HVAC system might experience Sick Building Syndrome, leading to widespread complaints of headaches and fatigue among employees.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, meaning they easily evaporate into the air and can be found in many household products and building materials.
Example:
The distinct 'new car smell' or the odor from fresh paint is often due to the off-gassing of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the materials.