These buildings retain and re-circulate indoor air along with any contaminants. At the same time, many common materials in the home contain chemicals that are now implicated in conditions ranging from chronic respiratory irritation to cancer. The minute, invisible particles in the air are the primary threat to health. They evade the body's filtering mechanisms and penetrate deep into lung tissue, carry toxic substances, which are absorbed in the body. The harmful particles, which include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and pollen, provoke allergic reactions in many people.
Some allergic reactions are severe - asthma is the best known and one of the most serious.
Other allergic conditions are subtle chronic conditions. Runny nose, watery eyes, recurring headache, lethargy, even snoring can all be symptoms of allergy. Many people endure these conditions, not knowing that they are allergy-related and that prevention is readily available. Among the greatest concerns to health are the volatile organic compounds, or VOC's. These gases, up to 500 of them, are dispersed from cleaning solutions, carpets, building materials and many chemicals commonly used around the home.