Indoor air quality refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Most people spend about 90% of their time indoors to some capacity; whether they’re at home or at the office. Regardless of whether you’re sleeping or awake, indoor air quality is always a factor. Awareness of the causes that impact indoor air quality and how it affects people is the best way to understand the importance of good indoor air quality.
Causes
There are a number of factors that contribute to the quality of air inside your home or office space. Surprisingly, most of our exposure to environmental pollutants occurs by breathing the air indoors. Some of the causes of poor indoor air quality are as follows:
- Chemicals
- Primarily the biggest contributor to indoor air quality
- Chemical emissions are the most harmful
- Can come from products used on furnishings or in building materials or household products.
- Mold
- Moisture problems can lead to mold growth
- Mold emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particles
- Particles
- Airborne particles can come from dirt and dust
- Can come from products used in the home or office
- Poor Ventilation
- Combustion Sources
- Gas
- Oil
- Kerosene
- Wood stoves or fireplaces
- Other
- Pet dander
- Fibers
- Pollen
Effects
Since we spend so much time indoors, air quality has a big impact on our well-being. The major effects to human health can even show up shortly after a single exposure. The effects aren’t always immediate and can even be life-threatening. Some immediate effects are:
- Irritated eyes and nose
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Some long term effects can be seriously bad for your health. Here are some long term effects of poor air quality:
- Respiratory Diseases
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
Hopefully, after reading about the causes and effects of poor air quality you have a better understanding of why it’s so important to have good indoor air quality. Regular air filter changes and scheduled maintenance from you service provider is a simple way to combat poor air quality. These are issues that can be avoided and, when the impact is so serious, it’s critical that to take any precautionary measures you can.