The Ultimate Indoor Air Pollution Quiz

Enclosed space without proper ventilation can lead to a buildup of hazardous pollutants.

This home kit tests for all sorts of air pollutants. Others include carbon monoxide and dioxide, bacteria and various fungi.

Compound this with the fact that indoor air pollution can come from various normal household sources, and checking indoor air quality becomes essential.

With so much time spent at home, it would make sense to ensure that the air there is safe to breathe and clean.

The consequences of breathing in indoor air pollution can be quite serious. Lung cancer is another serious potential effect.

While fiberglass filters are the most cost-efficient, electrostatic filters combine the physical strengths of a pleated filter with the ability to attract even more particles using an electric charge.

The American Lung Association recommends a minimum MERV rating of 10.

Polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, still remains in a number of household sources, including sealants and wood floor finishes.

Asbestos was a very popular building material for many years, particularly for insulation purposes. Removing it can be a costly and complex job.

Pressed wood can be used for subflooring, inexpensive furniture or shelving. Some paints may also contain formaldehyde.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can enter a home from the bedrock beneath it.

Other biological contaminants include mold, animal dander, viruses and even cockroaches.

If you heat your home using a solid fuel such as wood or coal, you must ensure proper ventilation for the harmful gasses to escape.

Up to 12 different pesticides have been measured inside. Thus pesticides are among the serious air pollutants that affect indoor air quality.

Commercial jets employ high quality air filtration and ventilation systems. They may remove up to 63 percent of the contaminants.

Three years after they were given out, many of the trailers were replaced when the problems were finally recognized.

In addition, it contains at least 43 known carcinogens. The American Lung Association reports that secondhand smoke causes the deaths of around 3,000 people due to lung cancer each year, and many more due to heart disease.

Such gases are associated with a host of symptoms, such as dizziness or fatigue. At high levels, inhalation can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

Letting moisture into your home can lead to the growth of mold, another air quality pollutant. Humidity in the house should be kept at 30 to 50 percent.

High ozone levels are bad for asthma and can lead to chest pain and poor breathing.