Indoor Air Quality:
Household Chemicals

Common household products such as cleaning supplies, paint, hobby and home improvement supplies, and disinfectants release organic compounds during use. So do air fresheners, potpourri, and candles - and even many hair sprays, spray deodorants, and other personal care products.

Without adequate ventilation, these substances can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, skin rash, and allergic reactions.

Pesticides are especially hazardous, with possible effects ranging from minor irritation to serious long-term health problems.

What to do:

• Open windows and use an exhaust fan whenever possible - especially when working with or near chemicals.
• Limit use of air fresheners and potpourri.
• Carefully follow label instructions, and properly dispose of old or unneeded chemicals, because even closed containers may allow some gases to leak.
• Limit use of pesticides, and follow label instructions carefully.
• Purchase nontoxic pesticides whenever possible.
• Keep pesticides out of the reach of children, and dispose of them safely.

Additional Resources

• www.epa.gov/iaq/
• pesticides: www.epa.gov/pesticides/