Dark DiscoveriesIndoor hazards · 70 seconds
Things In Your House Slowly Poisoning You
Your house air may be worse than outside.
Number six: mold.
Damp indoor spaces and mold can cause stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and wheezing, and can worsen asthma. Fixing the moisture problem matters; painting over mold is not a sufficient remedy.
Source: CDC: About Mold and Your Health.
Number five: fragrance.
Air fresheners and fragrances can react with ozone to form particulate matter and formaldehyde indoors. Ventilation and reducing use are reasonable exposure-reduction actions.
Number four: the gas stove.
Gas stoves are indoor sources of nitrogen dioxide, which irritates the respiratory tract and can worsen breathing problems. A range hood vented outdoors reduces exposure.
Source: EPA nitrogen dioxide guidance.
Number three: an empty nonstick pan on high.
Overheated PTFE-coated cookware can release fumes associated with polymer-fume fever. Pet birds are highly susceptible. Avoid empty preheating and ventilate.
Source: Hahn et al., PubMed 1119084; Poison Control.
Number two: carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can be fatal when exposure goes undetected. Install alarms near sleeping areas.
Source: CDC carbon monoxide guidance.
Bonus: the receipt in your wallet.
A JAMA study found urinary BPA rose after two hours of handling thermal receipt paper without gloves.
Source: Ehrlich, Calafat et al., JAMA 2014;311(8):859–860.
Number one: radon.
Radon is colorless and odorless. EPA estimates indoor radon causes about 21,000 US lung-cancer deaths each year. Testing the lowest lived-in level is the way to know.
Source: EPA radon health effects; EPA radon testing guidance.
FAQ
Should I panic about indoor air?
No. These are evidence-backed hazards; test, ventilate and fix moisture where it matters.
What is the first home test to buy?
Prioritize a carbon monoxide alarm and a radon test for the lowest lived-in level.