Indoor Air Quality and how it affects you

Did you know that the quality of the air indoors (“IAQ”) is sometimes worse than that outside? Indoor air pollution is different from outside pollution - different sources emit different pollutants. Indoor pollutants include gases such as carbon monoxide, biologicals such as mold toxins, radioactives such as radon, chemicals such as ammonia, and particles such as smoke, dust, pollen, and spores. Inadequate ventilation makes pollution worse by not bringing in enough outside air to dilute the pollutants and by not carrying them back outside. High temperature and humidity make polluted air even more dangerous.

Why should you care?

First, because bad IAQ can make people temporarily ill, permanently injure them, or even kill them. Bad indoor air quality can cause specific building-related illnesses, such as allergic rhinitis, other allergic responses, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, "humidifier fever", and asthma. Sometimes it causes "sick building syndrome", a set of symptoms (asthma, nausea, dizziness, respiratory irritation) that affects some building occupants while they are in the building but go away when they leave the building, without being traced to any specific pollutants.

What contributes to bad IAQ?

Malfunctioning furnaces, stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces can give off carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases. Organic and inorganic dust and crud can accumulate in HVAC systems, spreading allergens and irritants and breeding molds and bacteria, and dampness accumulating anywhere provides them a good home. Dampness may come from roof and wall leaks which open up as a building ages. Combustion sources, such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, and wood can give off carbon monoxide, other dangerous gases, and irritating particulates. Household products - cleaners, pesticides, air fresheners, and solvents used in cleaning, gardening, hobbies, and redecorating - can be irritants or allergens. Damp carpet, wallpaper, and grout can support molds and other biological sources

How do I know if my home or building has an IAQ problem?

The best way to find out is by conducting careful inspections. Some problems, such as radon, can be tested even before a building is occupied. Other problems can develop over time, and require periodic checks of HVAC ducts, crawl spaces, attics, and building exterior envelopes. A home or building inspector should check these areas.
The least desirable way to find out about an IAQ problem is when people start getting sick. Unfortunately, sometimes, this will be the only way you will find out.