Indoor Air Quality

Published by: Elizabeth Gormley
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

It is estimated that 80% of our time is spent inside. Therefore, it is imperative that the air we breathe in our homes, offices, schools, and stores is healthy air. Most of the symptoms of poor-quality indoor air can be easily misidentified. These range from mild and flu-like to serious illnesses like liver disease and cancer. Because most buildings today are equipped with HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning), the importance of the maintenance of these systems cannot be underscored enough. Improper filters and dirty or clogged systems circulate unhealthy outdoor air making inhabitants ill.

Common sources of indoor pollutants include tobacco smoke, pesticides on potted plants, carbon monoxide from gas and paraffin heaters, pet allergens, mold, rotting food, radon, and emissions from building materials, furnishings, and office equipment. Ozone can emit from printers, copiers, and ultraviolet light. Formaldehyde may be in wooden products in the home or office. Chemical emissions from carpets and soft furniture can make us sick. Bacteria and dust spread easily through HVACs. If these are poorly filtered—or not filtered at all—it can have devastating consequences.

Respiratory illnesses are a common sign of poor indoor air quality. Symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, snoring, and chest tightness are results of tobacco smoke, bacteria, and badly filtered HVACs. Allergies, asthma, and skin irritations point to mites, pets, mold, and insects.   Lack of oxygen can lead to cardiovascular disease. Secondhand tobacco smoke is a proven culprit, particularly when overall ventilation is poor. Studies show that when tobacco smoke is inhaled unwittingly with radon over time, there is a six to ten times jump in the likelihood of cancer.

The good news is that all of these can be avoided through responsible actions and cleaning habits. Clean well and regularly, including soft furniture where mites may grow. Inquire at your workplace about whether night cleaning crews are an option if they don’t already service your place of employment. Get rid of old food, at work and at home. Make sure coworkers aren’t leaving moldy food in the office fridge. Photocopiers are usually a necessity, but make sure yours is not emitting dangerous gases. Keep printers and copiers away from high-traffic areas. Dispose of old gas heaters.

Employers are responsible for limiting indoor workplace pollutants. Many of the symptoms of poor indoor air quality do not visibly show up or are not discovered until a serious illness has taken effect—and this includes cancer. Many states have outlawed all indoor tobacco smoking, even in bars and restaurants. An enormous factor in eliminating indoor pollutants is by maintaining all HVACs and making sure the filters are clean and fitted.

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