It goes without saying that both indoor and outdoor air pollution are serious problems and need to be addressed immediately to prevent future health complications. Indoor air quality, however, is something we have some kind of 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 irritation to the eyes, throat, and nose, 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 will discuss three of the most common problems you must 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 pretty easy for mold and contaminants to build up indoors. This can make the indoor air feel stale and create problems with the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Poor ventilation can also lead to increased concentrations of pollutants that can cause cold-like symptoms. It’s worth noting that radon exposure is also a serious problem in some areas. Radon forms when ground and underground rocks break down. It can easily seep into homes through cracks in the foundation.
Over time, the radon concentration can increase in interior spaces that lack adequate ventilation. Radon, if you didn’t know it, is a carcinogen and has been linked to lung cancer.
Contaminants in the air supply
The types of activities we do and the pets we invite 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 indoors
• Paint the walls
• Cooking
• Have pets
• Use 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 make their symptoms worse.
Humidity levels are too high
High humidity levels are a common problem in indoor air quality. If the air inside your home or office spaces feels congested, you may have a problem with humidity control. High humidity environments are perfect for allergens and mold to grow and thrive. Exposure to too much humidity can cause you to experience:
• Skin irritations
• Eye irritation
• Nasal congestion
• Increased allergy symptoms
• Asthma attacks
• Lung infections
If you are experiencing any of the problems that we have mentioned above, you should look for air purification solutions that can help combat these problems and create a safe and healthy environment in your indoor spaces.