The most common harmful airborne chemicals found in the average home or office is formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide. Even in low concentrations these chemicals can cause a variety of health problems.

Formaldehyde … is found in virtually all indoor environments:

• Office or household furniture made of particle board or pressed wood products

• Consumer paper products: grocery bags, paper towels, facial tissues
• Adhesive binders in floor covering, carpet backing
• Many common household cleaning agents
• Natural gas from gas stoves and kerosene
• Tobacco smoke
• Permanent-press clothes, water repellent, fire retardants

Benzene … is used in:

• Commonly used solvents
• The manufacture of detergents
• Some pharmaceuticals
• Oils
• Paints
• Plastics
• Rubber
• Dyes
• Synthetic fibers
• Inks

Trichloroethylene … is used by the metal degreasing and dry cleaning industry and is also found in:

• Printing inks
• Paints
• Varnishes
• Adhesives
• Lacquers

Carbon monoxide … is found in:

• Cigarette smoke
• Fuel-fired furnaces
• Gas water heaters
• Fireplaces and woodstoves
• Gas stoves
• Gas dryers