Sources include formaldehyde-containing building materials, as well as an array of home and office products ranging from cosmetics, paints, and cleaners to pesticides, copiers and printers, glues and adhesives, and craft supplies. Lead dust is a particular danger to children and fetuses. It can cause impaired physical and mental devel-opment, as well as acute illness in both children and adults. While the primary impact is not on the lungs, the respiratory system is the major route of entry into the body for lead particles. Lead absorption rates in chil-dren, via the lung, are 95 percent, versus 30 to 40 percent for ingested lead.
Asbestos occurs in homes and other buildings.
It was once widely used in shingles, fireproofing, heating sys-tems, floor and ceiling tiles of older buildings. When asbestos-containing material is damaged or disintegrates, microscopic fibers are dispersed into the air. Asbestos is most dangerous in industrial settings. Secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems, especially for children. Ask smokers to take it outside.