Indoor air quality may well be one of the most serious -- and least understood -- health problems facing industrial nations.

Numerous studies conducted by the EPA over the last 25 years have shown measurable levels of over 107 known carcinogens (cancer causing agents) in modern offices and homes.

The presence of these VOC's (volatile organic compounds) is due to the switch from open windows to energy efficient living and working environments, made necessary in the 1970's due to the energy crisis atmosphere that had developed.

Combined with the advent of modern building methodology and products, the result has been energy efficient homes and offices that contain amounts of known cancer causing chemicals. In extreme cases, some buildings have such high levels of contaminants that they are known as "Sick Buildings" because exposure to them results in multiple symptoms of sickness exhibited by the inhabitants who try to use them.

The fact that concerns most scientist and doctors is the unknown effects that could occur in humans over long periods of time, being in contact with low dosages of these cancer causing VOC's such as are found in modern offices and homes. Scientists say it is still too soon to tell whether increased incidences of cancer can be attributed to exposure to modern living and working stations.

June 5 Business Week reports on Sick Building dangers

Occupation asthma - a chart

Fragrances contribute to indoor air pollution - read about the health dangers.

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