When cough and respiratory symptoms reappear just after a non-symptomatic episode during holidays, out of home, indoor air pollution is a possible cause, especially if an allergy has been eliminated. This can be an element of the "SICK BUILDING SYNDROME". It is not confined to slums, and can appear in the poshest of dwellings.
The key causes of indoor air pollution are :
- asbestos,
- biological pollutants, especially moulds
- Carbon monoxyde (CO)
- Ozone (O3 ) when in excess*
- Nitrogen oxides (from burning wood)
- Sulphur oxides (from burning coal)
- Perchlorethylene (dry cleaning)
- Pesticides
- Radon
- Respirable particles (from Diesel & tar)
- Cigarette smoke
- Outdoor pollution, through non-controlled bidirectional ventilation
