Ironically, part of the problem is our efforts to be energy efficient. By sealing off our houses and workspaces, we have created a situation where once pollutants are introduced to our indoor air, they remain in increasingly concentrated amounts. In fact, studies have shown that levels of pesticides are higher indoors than outdoors. Combine this phenomenon with the fact that many of us have indoor pets. But even if we don't have pets, there are plenty of biological sources of indoor air pollution.
Dustmite excreta is a problem especially in bedrooms.
And then there are the chemicals released from cleaning products, carpeting, and dry-cleaned clothing. Asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Legionnaires disease, and humidifier fever have a direct link to specific building problems. But there are elements of indoor air pollution that can cause more severe and varied symptoms. Diminished I.Q Irritability Sleep Disturbance Behavioral Changes Developmental Regression Memory Loss Clumsiness Muscular Aches Abdominal Pain Vomiting All of these factors have caused the EPA to rank indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. To see a list of a dditional sources of indoor air pollution click here .