HOMES and offices today are often more polluted than the outdoors. Many modern structures are made of synthetic materials that emit harmful gases and chemicals into the air.

Here are some common indoor pollutants that can cause serious illness:

* Formaldehyde. Commonly used in a number of items including particle board, pressed wood, foam insulation, cleaning products, and treated paper or fabric. If your home or office contains particle-board furniture, grocery bags, tissues, paper towels, or anything that has been treated to make it stiffer, wrinkle-resistant, fire retardant, or water-repellent, then you’re likely to have formaldehyde in the air.

* Benzene. A solvent used in manufacturing paints, inks, plastics, rubber, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and detergents.

* Trichloroethane. Can be found in adhesives, varnishes, paints, and used in dry-cleaning.

Chemicals likes these can irritate the eyes and skin, lead to allergic reactions, and cause headaches. They can be linked to serious health conditions like asthma, cancer, anemia, organ damage, and birth defects.

Plants are the best cure for indoor pollutants. A minimum of two plants per 100 square feet should be used indoors, whether inside home or in the office.

Aside from these, air quality is also contaminated with a variety of pollutants like:

* Vapors from the off-gassing of adhesives and other materials used in furniture, construction and fixtures.

* Human skin cells and dust mites

* Dust and debris from the ventilation system

* Formaldehyde from textiles such as drapery

* Mold and mildew

* Vapors from stored chemicals, cleaners and paint

* Moisture and biological (i.e. germs)