What Other Sources of Volatile Chemicals Can Make Indoor Air at My Home or Business Unhealthy?
Volatile chemicals are found in many household products. Paints, paint strippers and thinners, glues, solvents, and gasoline powered equipment such as lawnmowers are examples of products and equipment that contain volatile chemicals that can affect indoor air quality. Dry cleaned clothing and cigarette smoke also contribute volatile chemicals to indoor air. Attached as Table VI–1, is a summary of several studies conducted in residential homes which document the “background” level of several volatile chemicals in homes that were not influenced by vapor intrusion concerns. As can be seen in Table VI–1, many volatile chemicals are typically found in the average home. Indoor air quality can also be affected by outdoor air that contains volatile chemicals. Volatile chemicals occur in outdoor air when they are released from various industries, dry cleaners, gasoline stations and vehicles.
