AP®︎ Environmental Science: Topic 7.5 Flashcards

Harmful gases, vapors, biological materials, or suspended particles present inside enclosed structures

Small solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in indoor air, including asbestos fibers, dust, and smoke

Colorless, odorless asphyxiant gas from incomplete combustion that binds to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport and potentially causing unconsciousness or death

A substance that interferes with the body's delivery or use of oxygen; carbon monoxide is an example

Naturally occurring radioactive gas from uranium decay that can enter through foundations or well water and is the second leading U.S. cause of lung cancer

A common natural-source indoor pollutant consisting of moisture-dependent fungi that release spores, fragments, and allergens and can aggravate respiratory conditions

A particulate mixture that may contain soil, fibers, pollen, biological material, combustion particles, and particles from deteriorating materials

Heat-resistant fibrous minerals used in older building materials whose airborne fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma when inhaled

Carbon-containing chemicals that readily evaporate at indoor temperatures and may be emitted by paints, cleaners, furnishings, paneling, carpeting, and adhesives

The release of volatile chemicals from a material into the surrounding air

A common irritating VOC emitted by pressed wood, adhesives, building materials, furniture, upholstery, and carpeting

Respiratory-irritating gases produced by high-temperature combustion and released indoors by fuel-burning appliances

A respiratory-irritating gas produced when sulfur-containing fuels are burned

A combustion-generated mixture containing carbon monoxide, fine particles, VOCs, and carcinogens that damages respiratory and cardiovascular health

Exposure of nonsmokers to pollutants from burning tobacco and smoke exhaled by tobacco users

Nonspecific symptoms associated with time in a building, often linked to inadequate ventilation or accumulated pollutants and relieved after leaving

Neurotoxic lead particles released as chips or dust when older lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed, especially hazardous to children