Indoor Air Quality FAQs
Indoor Air Quality FAQs
January 21, 2023
Indoor air quality is so important. Get some answers here!
1. What is air pollution?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Common household devices such as space heaters, ovens, stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and dryers contribute to poor indoor air quality. Common indoor air pollutants are mold, pollen, tobacco smoke, household products and pesticides, gasses such as radon and carbon monoxide, as well as materials used in the building such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and lead.
2. How does poor indoor air quality affect health?
Air pollution poses a major threat to your health. Usually, indoor air quality problems only cause temporary discomfort. However, some pollutants can cause respiratory diseases or certain cancers. The discomfort of feeling sick and the risk of developing a life-threatening condition is why indoor air quality is so important.
3. What are the symptoms of poor indoor air quality?
Poor indoor air quality can cause symptoms similar to those of a cold, such as itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, dizziness, and fatigue. Typically, most people feel better as soon as they remove the source of the pollution. However, it can be difficult to locate the source of the pollution without proper testing and tools.
4. How is indoor air quality tested?
Indoor air quality can be measured and tested with various devices. Carbon monoxide detectors should be used to monitor the levels of carbon monoxide in your home at all times. This is a safety precaution. To determine the indoor air quality within a home, a monitor system such as the one Jeff’s HVAC uses, Air Advice, is placed to measure air pollutant levels. Results are fast and reliable.
5. What are the most common causes of indoor air quality problems?
Common causes of poor indoor air quality include poor ventilation or lack of outside air, problems controlling temperature, high or low humidity, recent remodeling, and other activities in or near a building that can affect the fresh air coming into the building.
6. What are some harmful airborne substances found indoors?
Harmful airborne substances commonly found indoors include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, particulates, mold, dust mites, asbestos, and radon.
7. What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas. It’s described as the “silent killer” causing thousands of deaths each year in North America. Breathing in carbon monoxide is very dangerous. In fact, it’s the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States.
8. How can indoor air quality be improved?
Indoor air quality can be improved by first removing the source of the pollutants or mitigating the air pollutants out of your home.
Jeff’s HVAC performs indoor air quality testing in Effort, PA, and the surrounding areas. If you’re worried about the air pollutants in your home, are experiencing symptoms of poor indoor air quality, or need a solution to improve your home’s air quality, contact Jeff’s HVAC to schedule indoor air quality testing today!