Long-term effects include lung cancer from inhalation of carcinogens within the smoke. There is also good evidence that passive cigarette smoke in the home contributes to the development of asthma in children and causes increased risk for respiratory infections. Asbestos Inhalation of fibers causes inflammation and tumors. There is NOT any strong evidence that asbestos insulation causes risk to those who live in buildings that have asbestos insulation. Low exposures from living and working in buildings is estimated at 1 million times less than exposures around the time of WWII, which caused recognition of asbestos-related cancers.
Severe exposures can cause brain damage, evident after recovery from the acute effects.
It can also cause heart attacks. The most common source of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home is from incorrectly vented furnaces and heaters. However, one must remember that carbon monoxide poisoning can also occur after use of methylene chloride containing varnish removers in a poorly ventilated setting. The most important source of these VOCs is gasoline burned in motor vehicles. VOCs may also be emitted by home furnishings as well as consumer products used for cleaning.