Cold winter weather is on its way, and everyone will be spending a lot more time indoors in a closed environment. That’s why it’s important to start thinking about the quality of the air we breathe inside our homes and offices.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) can have a significant impact on overall health, yet it’s not something that most people consider. The dust, allergens and chemicals prevalent in the indoor environment are unseen, and the health effects are often slow and cumulative.
Learning how to assess your home air quality and how to identify potential problems is one of the best preventive health measures you can take, especially if you suffer from asthma, allergies or some other respiratory ailment. Here’s a quick guide on how to assess and improve indoor air quality.
Why Indoor Air Quality Is Important
IAQ refers to the quality of air within and around buildings and structures as it pertains to the comfort and health of the occupants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoorss, where concentrations of some types of harmful pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. This long-term exposure to elevated levels of pollutants is why home air quality is so important.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to both short-term and long-term health effects. In the short term, exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause immediate reactions such as headaches; dizziness; fatigue; sinus problems; itchy skin and rashes; dry, scratchy throat; coughing; shortness of breath; and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. These effects are intensified in people with allergies and respiratory issues. Long-term exposure can potentially contribute to respiratory diseases, heart disease and even cancer.
Signs Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Learning to recognize the signs of poor indoor air quality is the first step to improving it. Some common indicators to watch for include:
- Persistent odors or mustiness
- Visible mold growth
- Excessive dust accumulation
- Condensation on windows or walls
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Stuffy or stale air
Factors That Contribute to Poor Air Quality
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at your indoor air quality:
Mold and Moisture
Excess moisture in your home can lead to mold growth, which releases spores into the air that are not healthy to breathe, especially for those with allergies. Areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements, are particularly susceptible to mold growth.
Pet Dander
While we love our furry friends, they can significantly impact indoor air quality. Pet dander, which consists of tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs and other animals with fur or feathers, as well as shed hair, can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Dust and Dust Mites
Dust accumulation not only looks unsightly, but it can also harbor dust mites, which are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. Their waste products are a common trigger for allergies and asthma.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Many household products, including paint, cleaning supplies and even some furnishings and carpets, release VOCs into the air. These compounds can cause both short-term and long-term health effects.
Inadequate Ventilation
Poor ventilation in the home can lead to a buildup of all types of indoor air pollutants. This is especially a problem in newer, more energy-efficient homes that are designed to be airtight.
Assessing Indoor Air Quality
Once you know the signs of poor air quality and the factors that contribute to it, you can begin to assess the indoor air quality of your home or office — and take steps to improve it.
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Conduct a Visual Inspection
Start by looking for visible signs of mold, excessive dust, and water damage. Pay special attention to areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
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Check Your Ventilation
Make sure your home has adequate ventilation. Check that exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens are working properly and venting to the outside. If you have a forced-air HVAC system, make sure the filters are replaced regularly, and consider having professional duct cleaning performed.
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Monitor Humidity Levels
Use a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels. Inexpensive models are readily available at retail and hardware stores. Ideally, indoor relative humidity should be between 30% and 50%. Higher humidity can promote mold growth and dust mite proliferation, while humidity that’s too low can cause dry, scratchy throats and itchy skin.
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Test for Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes, especially older homes and those with basements, and increase the risk of lung cancer. You can purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a professional to conduct a test.
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Consider Professional Testing
For a comprehensive assessment of your indoor air quality, consider hiring a professional to conduct more thorough tests for various pollutants, including VOCs, mold spores, and other allergens and particulates.
Ready to improve your indoor air quality? Cool Care can help you do it. Visit our contact page to chat online or schedule an appointment.
