Be sure to provide the amount of ventilation air set by codes. Insufficient ventilation can create health problems.

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that is a result of incomplete combustion. It is produced by propane, natural gas, or kerosene heaters that are faulty or unvented. It is produced by cars, trucks, and buses, and can be pulled in from the street if the outside air intakes are not properly located.

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) is exhaled as we breathe. It can build up in crowded areas that are not properly ventilated. CO2 itself is not hazardous, but as it increases, the oxygen level decreases. Low oxygen levels are dangerous.

  • Many cleaning solvents, paints, colognes, adhesives, and other products give off hazardous or unpleasant fumes.

  • Copy machines produce ozone, which can be hazardous.

    Adapted from Indoor Air Quality from the Indoor Environment Technician's Library series, www.lamabooks.com.

    Publication date: 06/13/2005