Risk assessment—is there something to worry about?

• Is there a pollutant source in the house?
• Is there a pathway for exposure (e.g. air, dust)?
• Is there a route of exposure (e.g. breathing, ingesting, skin contact)?
• What kind of exposure is there (e.g. low-level, long term; high-level short term)?
• What are the health effects (short-term or long-term, reversible or permanent)? How strong is the evidence?
• Who is most susceptible? (e.g. infants, children, elderly, ill, smokers)?

Hazard control—how can the problem be fixed?

• Can the source be controlled by removal, sealing or isolation?
• Can the air pollutant be exhausted and diluted by ventilation?
• Can the air pollutant be treated or trapped by air cleaning or filtration?

Carbon monoxide and other combustion pollutants
Hazard: gas from incomplete combustion
Sources: leaky chimney or furnace or other gas appliance, unvented space heaters
Exposure pathway/route: air, breathing
Testing: CO monitor; signs of problem include foul smells from the appliance or black soot or condensation on walls and windows
Health effects: at high concentrations, fatal; at lower concentrations, fatigue, chest pains. impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion. nausea, flu-like symptoms.
Controls: yearly furnace and chimney inspection, no unvented heaters, do not use stoves for heating, stove exhaust fans, do not burn painted or treated wood

Asbestos
Hazard: dust and fibers in damaged or deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation and building materials
Sources: furnace, pipe and duct insulation; floor tiles
Exposure route/pathway: breathing dust or fibers
Testing: laboratory test needed to identify; can observe condition
Health effects: no immediate symptoms; increases long-term risk of chest, abdominal or lung cancer; smokers at greatest risk
Controls: leave it alone; only state-licensed contractor should cover or remove; never cut, sand or drill; use wet cleaning in the area, not dry dusting or sweeping

Radon
Hazard: radioactive soil gas
Sources: soil beneath the house, sump pump
Exposure route/pathway: breathing
Testing: use long-term detector during heating season
Health effects: no immediate symptoms; increases the long-term risk of lung cancer; people in basement bedrooms and smokers at greatest risk
Controls: seal entry points, vent, dilute

Pesticides
Hazard: toxic chemicals
Sources: pesticides used indoors; track-in from outdoors
Exposure route/pathways: skin contact, dust ingestion, breathing
Testing: expensive; observation and history of past use
Health effects: eye, nose and throat irritation, nervous system damage, possible increased risk of cancer
Controls: minimize use, use carefully; use environmental controls

Household products, building materials and furnishings
Hazard: toxic chemicals that get in the air
Sources: dry cleaning, mothballs, paints, solvents, etc.; composition wood product, carpets, upholstered furniture
Exposure route/pathway: breathing
Testing: expensive; use source check-list
Health effects: eye, nose throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; possible damage to liver, kidney, nervous system and cancer; some people sensitive to formaldehyde
Controls: avoid use, follow instructions, use aggressive ventilation, use out of doors, dispose of little-used containers, store in garage

Environmental tobacco smoke
Hazards: numerous toxic chemicals
Source: cigarette, pipe and cigar smoke
Exposure route/pathway: breathing contaminated air
Health effects: eye, nose and throat irritation; risk of cancer and heart disease; in addition for children increased asthma, bronchitis, ear infections, decreased lung function and increased risk of infant bleeding lung disease
Testing: observation
Controls: do not allow smoking in the house or the car.