Biological pollutants include (but are not limited to) substances like mold, bacteria, viruses, animal dander / saliva, dustmites, cockroach /lizard droppings, and pollen. They are sources of allergens for many, triggering allergic reactions including asthma, allergic rhinitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Mold and mildew are known to release disease-causing toxins that can plague a person’s health for years. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.
The presence of formaldehyde is found in many building materials and household products. A chemical compound, it is commonly used in resins on wood products, insulation materials, paints, glues, and pesticides. Long term and frequent exposure to formaldehyde could cause cancer and autoimmune diseases (look out for our article on formaldehyde soon!).