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Household cleaning products: can contain many harmful volatile chemicals.
Lead: found in older paints and plumbing pipes.
Aerosols in personal care products: a common source of organic gases, some of which are suspected carcinogens
Gas stove: can be a source of combustion by-products.
Draperies: treated fabrics can contain formaldehyde. Curtain folds collect dust.

Carpets: source of formaldehyde. Harbor dust, dust mites, and animal dander.
Tobacco smoke: tobacco smoke contains 43 carcinogens, the danger to nonsmokers from second-hand smoke, especially children, is now becoming recognized.
Pet Dander: animal hair and skin flakes are common sources of allergens.
Radon: radon gas is a natural emission where uranium exists underground. Radon carries radioactive particles that can be a dangerous cause of lung cancer
Auto exhaust: such fumes can enter the home from the garage or nearby traffic flow. Carbon monoxide is the primary danger, and has a cumulative effect in the human system.
Pressed wood in furniture and flooring: manufactured with formaldehyde, which is released as gas.
Dry cleaning: source of toxic tolulenes and PERC
Dust Mites: the excreta and body parts of these organisms are a common allergen, a particular problem in bedrooms.
Smoke from fireplace or wood stove: open fireplaces can produce ash dust, carcinogenic tars and combustion by-products like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Fuels: storage of gasoline, kerosene, and other fuels can release volatile chemicals into household air.
Paints and solvents: these are sources of many volatile chemicals, which are easily vaporized and enter household air.
Carpets: source of formaldehyde. Harbor dust, dust mites, and animal dander.
Asbestos: the particles of this carcinogen can be released into the air if asbestos insulation or pipe cladding is disturbed during house repairs. Asbestos fibers reside in lung tissue and can cause lung cancer or emphysema.

Although the above list is quite intimidating, there are steps to you can take to improve the air quality in your home. A balanced management of your home environment is the first step to improve indoor air quality. For instance, using fewer aerosol products improves air quality in your home.

Learn more about this author, Carol Belanger.
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