The average person takes in in 33 pounds of air each day, as compared to 5.5 pounds of liquid, and 1.5 pounds of food. In 1990 the EPA actually ranked indoor air pollution as the greatest risk to human health among all types of environmental problems.

Airborne Particles

The air that we breathe is most often composed of very tiny solid or liquid particles that are light enough to be suspended in the air and deposited on household surfaces. These particles can include organic and inorganic substances and biological organisms.
The most common particulate matter includes:

• Dust and dirt
• Animal dander and hair
• Skin flakes
• Molds
• Pollen
• Tobacco smoke

• Oven and fireplace particulates
• Heavy metals, such as lead
• Fibers (asbestos, insulation, etc.)
• Plant particles
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Duct mites and fecal matter
• Insect body parts

Particle size can determine the effect of these pollutants on your health. Small respirable particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and remain there for long durations, sometimes causing acute or chronic illness. Larger particles, on the other hand, may not penetrate quite as deep, but can still cause allergic reactions and other health problems.

Reactions to airborne material can include runny nose, watery eyes, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, asthma, headaches, upper respiratory discomfort, and an increased risk of allergies.