Every year some 64,000 people die prematurely from diseases linked to particulate pollution , according to an analysis of the National Resource Defense Council. According to the American Lung Association, more than 92 million people live in areas where air quality does not meet standards. Over the past 20 years, the number of asthmatics has increased from 6.8 million in 1980 to more than 15 million today .
Environmental factors are the most likely explanation in the recent rise in asthma.
Increased ozone and particulate levels in the outdoor air are beyond an individual's control. However, most exposures are in the home environment . Cleaning agents, detergents, out-gassing of formaldehyde from carpets and building materials trigger and aggravate respiratory conditions. There are over 240 chemical contaminants that have been found in homes and offices . In the office environment, out-gassing from copy machine toner, inks, computers and smoke from other parts of the building can cause health problems .