Signs of Indoor Air Quality Problems
Many people consider air quality and pollution outdoors, but don’t think about the pollution indoors. The indoor air quality can make a considerable effect on your health and that of your family members.
According to the American Lung Association of Minnesota, common pollutants that can be harmful include combustion products, radon, mold, and pet dander. It affects people of all ages, with approximately 40 million people in the U.S. suffering from allergies.
Here are some things you should know about indoor air quality problems, and signs to look for in your own home.
Signs of Air Quality Issues
There are a number of signs of air quality issues that can let you know you need to work on the ventilation in your home or business. The first sign is typically that you feel ill whenever you are at home, but suddenly feel better when you go somewhere else. Other signs to keep in mind are:
Lack of proper air circulation.
Extra dirt and dust around your heating and cooling units.
Mold anywhere in the home.
High humidity, leading to condensation indoors.
Damage to your chimney.
Changes in your health after remodeling..
Where Air Quality Problems Come From
There are many sources of air quality problems, from biological factors to major pollutants. One of the biggest pollutants indoors that you can control is tobacco smoke. If someone in your household smokes cigarettes, be sure they smoke outside. Secondhand smoke can occur if someone else is smoking indoors. The tobacco smoke sticks around in the air and can lead to heart disease or lung cancer, as well as give you allergy and asthma attacks.
Other sources of indoor air problems include:
Combustion pollutants like from fuel, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, coal, wood and fuel-burning stoves.
Biological pollutants, such as dust, mold, pet hair, and dander
Certain household chemicals and insects, including cockroaches and rodents
Dangerous chemicals and fibers like asbestos, radon, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.
The Health Concerns of Air Pollution
So why is indoor air pollution so bad? Not only can it be uncomfortable when you can’t breathe in clean, fresh air, but the pollutants irritate your lungs and can affect your breathing. It also has the risk of leading to other negative health effects.
Common issues with indoor air quality problems include asthma attacks, allergy attacks, cold or flu-like symptoms, and more serious issues like the risk of cancer. Some symptoms you might experience include:
Hypersensitivity
Fatigue
Headache
Irritation of the eyes, throat or nose
Dizziness
Nausea
Coughing and sneezing
Sinus congestion
If you are concerned about indoor air pollution or meet any of the signs and symptoms of indoor air quality problems, you will want to do your best to prevent it. You can do so by improving the ventilation in your home or business. Consider installing a whole house fan to improve the ventilation in your home or business.