About 90% of our time is spent indoors where we are exposed to chemical and biological contaminants and possibly to carcinogens. These agents may influence the risk of developing nonspecific respiratory and neurologic symptoms, allergies, asthma and lung cancer. We review the sources, health effects and control strategies for several of these agents. There are conflicting data about indoor allergens. Early exposure may increase or may decrease the risk of future sensitization. Reports of indoor moulds or dampness or both are consistently associated with increased respiratory symptoms but causality has not been established. After cigarette smoking, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and radon are the most common causes of lung cancer. Homeowners can improve the air quality in their homes, often with relatively simple measures, which should provide health benefits.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Indoor air quality, health
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Public Health and Health Services
Research Field:	Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health)
Objective Field:	Environmental Health
UTAS Author:	Wheeler, AJ (Dr Amanda Wheeler)
ID Code:	100886
Year Published:	2008
Web of Science® Times Cited:	84
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2015-06-02
Last Modified:	2015-09-14
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