Sources include deteriorating, damaged or disturbed pipe insulation, fireproofing or acoustical material and floor tiles. Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer. This mixture contains more then 4,000 substances, more then 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals and many of which are strong irritants. Exposure to secondhand smoke is called involuntary smoking, or passive smoking. EPA estimates that ETS causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmokers each year.
Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk to children.
EPA estimates that passive smoking is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age annually, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have reduced lung function and symptoms of respiratory irritation like cough, excess phlegm, and wheeze. Soil on articles can supply enough food for mildew to start growing when moisture and temperature are right. Greasy films, such as those that form on kitchen walls, also contain many nutrients for mildew-causing molds. The first step in mildew control is to try to control the dampness inside the home.