Everyone knows that we have problems in the environment. Cities have smog, smoke, and industry pollution, but a lesser-known issue is indoor air pollution and air quality, which affects the way you and your family breathe. Much like the problems associated with hard water we have covered before, indoor air quality issues can directly affect people’s health as well as their property. Poor air quality causes allergies, asthma, coughing, odors and damages personal belongings and electronics.
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?
People who live in homes with poor air quality, dust, and mold experience more than a few tell-tale symptoms Below are just a few of the troubles you might experience.
- Red and itchy eyes: Airborne pollutants, mold, and dust can cause watery, red, and itchy eyes.
- Runny nose and congestion: The nose filters out pollutants, but when the air quality is poor, the nose is affected, and you will feel congested.
- Headache: Congestion headaches, migraines or just plain headaches result from dust, pollutants, and poor quality air.
- Skin problems: The skin is the largest organ we have, and it is affected by air pollutants. Rashes, inflamed, and dry skin are a result.
These symptoms are often mild but can also be severe, and the condition can take years to develop. Because of these issues, it becomes critical that we keep the air in our homes and offices clean and ensure the well-being of friends, family, and ourselves.
What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Many people don’t realize that poor air quality causes health issues and that many things can cause poor air quality, which can develop and increase for years. The following are the reasons behind poor air quality in homes and offices:
Faulty Air Conditioning Systems
Poor indoor air quality is often the fault of inadequate AC maintenance. Changing filters out every month, calling in an AC technician to check the unit, preventing mold buildup in the duct, and keeping the AC unit well maintained can improve the air quality.
Poor Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation in an office building that has not implemented robust maintenance processes indoors traps the poor air inside. It is essential to ventilate these areas when possible.
Microbes
Microbes can grow in the plumbing and cause mold and mildew. The excess moisture can grow and attack floors, walls, and ceilings. Leaks and poor drainage can cause these microbes to thrive. Note that mold can cause severe respiratory problems and cause asthma attacks. To prevent and solve these issues, you must identify the problem’s source and prevent future water problems.
Exposure to Chemicals
Exposure to paint, flooring, and furnishing chemicals cause health issues for some people. Symptoms can include allergies, fatigue, and nausea. Try to choose non-toxic products whenever possible.
Humidity
A home should have a humidity level of at most 50%. More than this level will create skin irritation, eye itching, and other skin symptoms. Indoor humidity makes a comfortable environment for microbes, which can be bad for your health. To improve humidity, you can get a dehumidifier to improve humidity levels and prevent mold and mildew.
All of these factors can cause health issues, so it is essential to improve the quality of indoor air as much as possible. For anyone experiencing the symptoms above, it may be a good idea to look into an air filtration system to help improve indoor air quality even in a poorly ventilated home or office.