Buying Guide: Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases such as asthma. In addition, it can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue. People who already have lung disease are at greater risk.
The American Lung Association recommends that the first line of defense against indoor air pollution is finding ways to keep the pollutants from being added to the air in the first place. This is known as source control. Appropriate ventilation with clean fresh air can also reduce levels of indoor air pollutants. Finally, while air cleaning devices can be useful, they are no substitute for preventing the air from getting dirty in the first place.
Common air pollutants, their health effects and ways to control their sources are listed below:
- Biological Pollutants
- Second Hand Tobacco Smoke
- Combustion Pollutants
- Radon
- Asbestosis
- Formaldehyde
IAQ-Home Indoor Air Quality
There are a number of steps that can be taken by a home or business owner to improve indoor air quality.
a) A test should be done to check for radon in the house and if there is a problem, it should be fixed
b) Do not allow anyone to smoke inside the house
c) Try to keep all areas of the house clean and dry
d) Work to reduce mold and dust mites which cause asthma
e) Clean any visible mold and eliminate excess water or moisture that is present
f) Be sure to ventilate the house when using any products that can release pollutants into the air. Make sure that these products are stored safely and closed tightly
g) Carefully inspect periodically for any leaks coming from fuel-burning appliances and repair when needed
h) Install a carbon monoxide alarm system
Keep in mind that the following are the chief causes of poor air quality: carbon monoxide, organic compounds, secondhand smoke, pesticides, mold and dust and pet dander and hair.
IAQ to Install for Best Solutions
If you suspect that the air in your home needs improvement you can install fresh air recovery systems, whole home filter system, air scrubbers or ultra violet lights, and always call an expert as needed.
