You’ve probably heard about sick home syndrome, a phenomenon that’s been in the new in recent years. Sick home syndrome is a general diagnosis that covers a variety of indoor air toxins — anything from mold to radon to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in new carpeting and drapes. Whatever the problem, a basic component of sick home syndrome is usually inadequate ventilation. Pollutants that enter the home become concentrated so they're more harmful when they can't escape. Also, moisture that accumulates creates an excellent environment for mold growth. The potential for these ills is especially great in newer houses which are now so fully insulated and draft-free that fresh airflow is virtually absent. Of course, it’s not the house that actually suffers, but the inhabitants –– and depending on the toxin –– they could develop health issues ranging from chronic headaches to lung cancer.

How do these pollutants get into your home and how do you know if you’re safe? Toxins can come from a variety of sources, but the most common are:

• Pressed board furniture containing formaldehyde;
• Carpets, drapes and upholstery containing VOCs;
• Furnaces, fireplaces and wood stoves emitting nitrogen dioxide; and
  
• Air conditioners and heating ducts containing mold.

Often, you can literally sniff out trouble. For example, the smell of newness that a carpet emits often indicates the presence of VOCs — and you might find yourself experiencing headaches or a sore throat. Of course, the odor of mildew is another giveaway, as are stains on tiles, walls or ceilings. So if you truly believe your home is a “sick” one, but you can't uncover any obvious evidence, you should call in a professional for a diagnosis. See the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Guidelines For Selecting An Indoor Air Quality Consultant.