Why is Indoor Air Quality Importnant?

People spend 90% of their time indoors and indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has indoor air quality ranked as one of the top 5 environmental dangers. It is linked to severe asthma and allergy development in children and to heart problems and lung cancer in children and adults.

Symptoms depend on the particular contaminant and are sometimes mistaken for allergies, stress, colds or the flu.

Some of the symptoms of poor indoor air quality are:

Coughing
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Fatigue
Dizziness
Headaches
Upper respiratory congestion
Nasal congestion
Nose bleeds
Sore throat

Poor indoor air quality can contribute to the development of or exasperate these problems:

Infections
Lung cancer
Chronic lung diseases
Asthma
Heart disease
Rashes
Fever
Hearing loss
Myalgia

Indoor air quality is affected by anything that releases gas or particles. The most common causes of poor indoor air quality are:
Inadequate ventilation – contaminated air can’t get out, fresh air can’t get in
Unmaintained heating and air conditioning systems
Dampness due to floods, leaks or high humidity – creates mold and bacteria
Occupant activities – cleaning, personal care, construction, smoking
Combustion – burning of some form of fuel
Old/outdated building materials – asbestos, wood treated with formaldehyde

What can you do to improve the air quality in your home?
Use proper ventilation around fuel burning appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, ranges and heaters
Replace and maintain the air filters in your home
Control the moisture in your home – use a dehumidifier if necessary and clean your humidifiers and dehumidifiers regularly
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Use proper ventilation when cleaning, painting or using harsh chemical products in the home
Test for Radon
Don’t smoke inside
Keep your house clean – wash bedding, use a HEPA vacuum cleaner, and leave shoes at the door.
Leave asbestos to the professionals!

If you have any questions about the air quality in your home and how to improve it please contact us today or request service online.