Combustion Pollutants

Combustion Pollutants are gases or particles that come from burning materials. In homes, the major source of combustion pollutants are improperly vented or unvented fuel-burning appliances such as:

  • space heaters
  • woodstoves
  • gas stoves
  • water heaters
  • dryers
  • fireplaces

The types and amounts of pollutants produced depends on the type of appliance, how well the appliance is installed, maintained and vented and the kind of fuel it uses. Common combustion pollutants include:

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – a reddish-brown gas with a strong, unpleasant odor that causes eye, nose, and throat irritation, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of respiratory infection
  • Inhalable particles (also called particulate matter or PM) – particles smaller than the width of a human hair that enter the body when we breathe and penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health consequences to the lungs, heart, and brain
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