Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

The quality of air inside our homes or offices is prone to pollution. Indoor air pollutants include chemicals used in furniture, cleaning supplies and personal care, asbestos in insulation material, microbial pollutants such as mold, pet dander and plant pollen. Carpets, drapes and other fabrics absorb some of these pollutants. Poor ventilation or improper circulation of outside air promotes microbial growth.

Health effects

Some immediate effects of indoor air pollution are irritation of eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Indoor air pollutants may trigger symptoms of certain diseases such as asthma, hypersensitivity, pneumonitis, and humidifier fever.

After several years of exposure to indoor air pollutants some health effects can occur such as respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer.

Indoor Air Quality Facts

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is about 2 to 10 times more hazardous than outdoor air.
• One report cited by EPA says up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may prompt excessive complaints related to lousy indoor air quality.
• As per EPA estimation, over 1.4 million buildings in the United States suffer from indoor air pollution.
• As per the EPA, one out of four new or renovated indoor buildings in the U.S. may be classified as "sick buildings."
• The cost of improving office climate saves 8 to 17 times more than the costs of making those improvements.

Signs of indoor air quality problem

• Unusual and noticeable odors.
• Stale or stuffy air.
• Noticeable lack of air movement.
• Dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment.
• Damaged flue pipes or chimneys.
• Unvented combustion air sources for fossil fuel appliances.
• Excessive humidity.
• Presence of molds and mildew.
• Health reaction after remodeling, weatherizing, using new furniture, using household and hobby products, or moving into a new home.
• Feeling noticeably healthier outside

Improving Indoor Air Quality

• Use indoor plants such as peace lily
• In wet season, keep indoor environment free of mold
• Use VOC free paint
• Clean the air filter regularly
• Use green certified furniture

Reference