What is indoor air quality?
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air within enclosed spaces and includes the presence of pollutants, temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Pollutants can be high, but you likely have more control over indoor spaces than outdoor ones.
Did you know that about 90% of our time is spent indoors where pollutants can be 2-5X higher than outdoors?
Sources of indoor air pollution include:
- Cooking
- Smoking
- Wood, coal, and gas heating appliances
- Cleaning supplies, paints, insecticides
- Building materials (asbestos)
- Home goods (couches, fabrics, rubber, etc.)
- Outdoor sources through windows, doors, vents, cracks
Significance of indoor air quality:
Indoor air quality directly impacts the health, comfort, and well-being of vulnerable groups such as children, infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions. The effects of poor indoor air quality can lead to various health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease including asthma.
Common indoor air pollutants:
Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores.
Chemicals: VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from cleaning products, paints, and furnishings.
Carbon monoxide: A colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if present in high concentrations.
Methane: Found in natural gas stoves, combustion gases and particulates
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