THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY

 

How good is the air you breathe at home?

 

As Canadians, we spend most of our time indoors. We go from our house to the garage, drive to work, park in the underground lot, work a long day and then after work follow the same routine.

 

In many big cities, thanks to the underground mazes of department stores and local transportation connections, most people can even do their shopping and other recreational activities without ever going outside.

 

What most of us don’t realize is that indoor air quality is extremely important to our health.

 

Air pollution is not only an outdoor problem. The air indoors can also be polluted, and in most cases be more polluted than outside. Here we’ll explain the different types of indoor air pollution and their main sources, common signs and symptoms of air pollution contamination, who is most vulnerable and how an indoor air quality system can help.

 

Examples of common indoor air contaminants and their main sources:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2), tobacco smoke, perfume, body odours – from building occupants
• Dust, fibreglass, asbestos, gases, including formaldehyde – from building materials
• Toxic vapours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – from workplace cleansers, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants, glues
• Gases, vapours, odours – off-gas emissions from furniture, carpets, and paints
• Dust mites – from carpets, fabric, foam chair cushions
• Microbial contaminants, fungi, moulds, bacteria, – from damp areas, stagnant water and condensate pans
• Ozone – from photocopiers, electric motors, electrostatic air cleaners

 

Common signs and symptoms of people exposed to poor indoor air include:

• Headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath
• Worsening allergy and asthma symptoms
• Sinus congestion, cough, and sneezing
• Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation
• Dizziness and nausea

 

Who is most vulnerable to indoor air pollutants?

 

While everyone's health can be affected by indoor air quality problems, certain people are especially at risk:

• People with allergies or asthma
• People with lung diseases
• People with suppressed immune systems
• Children

 

Clean air is essential for good health, and this is especially true when it comes to indoor air. The good news is that all of us have the ability to control the quality of our own indoor air. But simply opening a window is not the answer. Boonstra Right Time provides affordable and proven solutions to help you, so you and your loved ones don't have to suffer from poor indoor air quality.