Although more people are concerned with our outdoor air quality than ever before, the issue of indoor air quality is often overlooked. Indoor air quality is just as important as our outdoor air quality, and, these days, we’re more susceptible to the negative effects of poor IAQ.
According to the EPA, Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors on average and the people who are most vulnerable to health concerns regarding pollution (infants, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases) spend even more time indoors. Also, concentrations of some indoor pollutants have increased due to modern building practices and the use of synthetic materials, pesticides, and cleaners.
On top of that, according to the McGill Journal of Medicine, nearly half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by air pollutants, and there are approximately 30 million pollutants that can be found in one cubic foot of air. Considering these facts, what are the negative effects of poor indoor air quality, and what can be done to reduce them?
How Does Poor Indoor Air Quality Affect Health?
The most common indoor air pollutants (radon, various particulates and dust, carbon monoxide, mold, and legionella bacteria) are known to cause a wide range of health issues, such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Eye, throat, nose, and lung irritation
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Legionnaires’ disease
Poor indoor air quality worsens the symptoms of respiratory diseases like asthma, and, in some cases, exposure to toxins like carbon monoxide can be fatal.
As much as we know about indoor air pollution and indoor air quality, our understanding of its effects on our health is still evolving. One noteworthy area of study and speculation suggests that poor IAQ may negatively affect classroom and work productivity.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Now that we understand some of the negative effects that poor IAQ has on our health, we can look into some ways to improve it. Here are three of the best ways to improve indoor air quality:
- Improve air filtration and purification by installing modern air filters and other appliances
- Improve the home’s ventilation with fans and vents
- Control the source of indoor air pollution by identifying it and adding improvements to eliminate it
Steve Chapman’s All American Air Can Help Improve Your IAQ
At Steve Chapman’s All American Air, we have the experience and resources to improve your indoor air quality and reduce the risk of illness, disease, and other health complications. Along with our wide range of HVAC, maintenance, and appliance repair services, we work with you to make your home a safer and more comfortable place to live. Contact us online or give us a call at (904) 461-0070 to learn more about how we can improve your indoor air quality today!