Indoor Air Quality is critical for living a healthy and comfortable life. In contrast to outdoor air pollutants, indoor air contaminants can cause additional damage and health issues as one spends most of the time indoors. EPA lists indoor air quality as one of the top 5 environmental issues.
The potential health issues that can occur in the short and long run due to poor indoor air quality are significant. Yet, many homeowners tend to ignore the core concept of living a healthy indoor lifestyle. In fact, having poor air quality indoors can worsen with the rise or manifestation of health or severe respiratory diseases.
People with asthma, allergies, and related respiratory disorders tend to suffer more under the impact of poor indoor air quality. Some of the main indoor air pollutants include molds, chemicals, radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, dust mites, tobacco smoke, and pet dander.
Table of Contents
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Indoor air quality is the quality of air inside your house/ living space. Indoor air quality usually varies with the type of places, such as homes, offices, schools, and commercial buildings. Despite that, it is crucial to address the very factors that make indoor air quality a greater concern. Do you know an average American spends 90% of their total time indoors? This calls for highly effective measures in order to control and improve indoor air quality. Besides, you should not ignore the risk of indoor air contaminants causing health diseases. In addition, those most susceptible to a variety of pollutants prefer to enjoy more time indoors. These include older people, those with health conditions, and children. Therefore, it is important to address the common issues of indoor air quality problems.Things that Could Be Driving Down Your Home Indoor Air Quality
So, poor indoor air quality raises concerns. But did you know that some of the factors that degrade indoor air quality are the common household components and items? Here’s a list of those air quality damaging factors.» Gas Stoves/Furnaces
A large number of US households have a gas stove or fuel-burning furnace. These gas stoves and furnaces require burning natural resources such as gas, coal, and others. Following that, combustion releases air pollutants in the form of carbon monoxide and other fine particles that have an adverse impact on our health.» Synthetic Floorings
Synthetic floorings like vinyl, rubber, plastic, and other similar materials are hidden culprits of heavy air pollutants in our homes. They release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air causing the air quality to deteriorate. This does not only affect the respiratory functions but the overall health of the occupants. Therefore it is advised to use good quality flooring material and paint in your residence.» Green Houseplants
Having green houseplants is a great way to enjoy freshness and nature inside your home. However, some of the plants that homeowners tend to place in their homes are not entirely the same. While some ensure freshness, others might carry risks such as mold and fungus growth. In simple words, the organic matter and the moist soil of the houseplants are the perfect breeding environment for molds in your house.What to Do When Air Quality Is Bad?
Indoor air quality problems can arise due to many other factors besides those mentioned above. Hence, there are many sources of indoor air pollution. These sources could include issues with air circulation, ventilation, temperature, humidity, and so on. Fungi, gases, odors, dust mites, chemicals, and bacteria are common indoor air pollutants.» Purchase an Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Do you suspect there could be potentially harmful air contaminants in your house? Well, you can buy an indoor air quality monitor that will allow you to determine the level of contamination in your house. By addressing the sources of certain pollutants, you may be able to partially or completely eliminate them. Proper knowledge of indoor air quality and stats will let you freshen the air with the most suitable measures. Here’s what a typical indoor air quality monitor will measure:- Temperature
- Humidity
- Particulate Matter Levels
- VOCs
- Air Quality Index (AQI)