3 Common Indoor Air Quality Problems
It goes without saying that both outdoor and indoor air pollution are serious problems and need to be dealt with immediately to prevent future health complications. However, indoor air quality is something we have some control over and it also has the biggest impact on us because we spend most of our time indoors.
There is no denying that poor indoor air quality and the problems that can arise as a result can cause a variety of health complications. Short-term exposure can cause cold-like symptoms such as eye, throat, and nose irritation, as well as headaches and dizziness. Long-term exposure to air pollutants can lead to respiratory conditions, heart disease, and even lung cancer.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at three of the most common issues you need to address to maintain indoor air quality standards in your homes and commercial spaces.
poor ventilation
It goes without saying that indoor spaces don’t benefit from the same level of natural ventilation as outdoor spaces, so it’s quite easy for mold and pollutants to build up inside. This can make indoor air feel stuffy and create problems with the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Poor ventilation can also cause increased concentrations of pollutants that can lead to cold-like symptoms. It’s worth noting that in some areas, radon exposure is also a serious concern. Radon is formed when soil and underground rocks break down. You can easily see inside houses through cracks in the foundation.
Over time, the concentration of radon can increase in indoor spaces that lack proper ventilation. Radon, if you didn’t know, is a carcinogen and has been linked to lung cancer.
Contaminants in the air supply
The types of activities we engage in and the pets we bring into our homes can increase the amount of pollutants that affect indoor air quality. If we do not manage these activities, they can create a series of health problems for the inhabitants.
The following activities can introduce contaminants into your indoor air supply:
• Smoking inside
• Paint the walls
• Cooking
• Have pets
• Use of the fireplace
• Use candles
• Do household chores with cleaning products.
It is important to note that high concentrations of pollutants in the air are particularly harmful to residents with asthma or allergies and worsen their symptoms.
Humidity levels are too high
High humidity levels are a common indoor air quality problem. If the air inside your home or office feels stuffy, you may have a problem with humidity control. Environments with high humidity levels are perfect for allergens and mold to grow and thrive. Exposure to too much moisture can cause you to experience:
• Skin irritation
• Eye irritation
• Nasal congestion
• Increased allergy symptoms
• Asthma attacks
• Lung infections
If you have any of the problems we mentioned above, you should look into air purification solutions that can help combat these problems and create a safe and healthy environment in your indoor spaces.