Toxic Substances

Toxic substances exist nearly everywhere in the modern world, for they are used in various products, processes, and mechanisms found in homes and office buildings. Many of these products were included in materials in interior design before their toxic effects were known. Many substances affect only sensitive people, while the long-term health effects of many of these substances remains uncertain.

The problem of air pollution was first though of only in terms of outdoor pollutants from the burning of fossil fuels and other sources, but we have become more aware today of the indoor pollutants. In some cases, structures have even been identified as "sick buildings" because of the adverse health effects found in those who live or work there, and often the precise source of the problem ream ins elusive. Certain indoor pollutants have become well-known in recent years as their health effects have been identified, among them cigarette smoke (even second-hand cigarette smoke), asbestos, and radon, all of which are known to cause cancer (Schenker, 1991: 59-60).

Radon is a radioactive gas formed in the soil within a few feet of the surface, and it then percolates up through the soil to the air. When radon emerges beneath a house, it can become trapped within the house in a much less diluted concentration than would normally occur, making radon levels typically ten times higher inside houses than outdoors (Cohen, 1987: 2-3). Radon is believed to be an important cause of l

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symptoms such as pain in the joints and abdomen and anemia, or a reduction in the number of red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. In the worst cases of lead poisoning, brain cells are affected to cause irritable, peculiar behavior and retardation (Anderson, 1987: 55). FORMALDEHYDE Formaldehyde is a component of various glues and fiberboards and other building materials. Formaldehyde is one of a large number of organic agents that can be generated indoors, and its effects are irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Increasing concentrations of formaldehyde may be associated with irritation of the tracheobronchial tree, though this is not a common result of indoor exposure. Furniture, plywood, and paints also release variable amounts of formaldehyde which can lead to indoor concentrations that are significantly higher than those found outdoors. Levels are usually higher in mobile homes because they are small and more airtight, and in addition more of their materials may generate formaldehyde. Concentrations also increase directly with temperature and humidity. Formaldehyde is an ingredient in fabric sizing. The easiest way to reduce indoor exposures is to remove the source material whenever possib

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