A Breath of Fresh Air Can Go a Long Way
Studies show that Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors on average, and those who are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of pollution tend to spend even more time indoors.
This makes sense because if you think about it, our daily routines tend to happen indoors. During COVID-19, people are at home now more than ever. Individuals and families are working from home, learning from home, online shopping, having virtual doctor’s appointments, and dining indoors due to the pandemic.
This means people could be more exposed to the harmful effects of indoor air pollution.
Americans spend an average of about 90% of their time indoors and being directly exposed to pollutants in buildings for that long can cause health damage. A key solution is fresh air.
Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Believe it or not, indoor air pollution can be more harmful than outdoor air pollution. Being directly exposed to the pollutants in your home, work, or school can damage your health. Examples of common causes of poor indoor air quality include:
- Pesticides
- Cigarette smoke
- Pet dander
- Biological agents such as molds
- Excess moisture
- High temperatures
- Poorly maintained HVAC devices and poor ventilation
- Building materials and furnishings
- Carpet and flooring installations
- Deteriorated materials containing asbestos
- Furniture made with certain pressed wood products
- Cleaning and maintenance supplies
- Fuel-burning combustion appliances
- Radon
- Outdoor air pollution
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality Naturally
If you are wondering how to improve the air quality in your home or business, a key solution is fresh air.
This is something so simple yet so effective in improving indoor air quality. Fresh air circulates through a building in many ways, including:
- Openings
- Cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings
- Around windows and doors
- Mechanical ventilation devices
No matter how great your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is, if it does not have fresh air intake and proper filtration prior to recirculation, the bottom line is it circulates the same air ― including pollutants and allergens ― over and over, which could worsen your indoor air quality. If you do not have an effective HVAC system, when weather permits, consider opening the windowsto allow fresh air into your building and help dilute the pollutants and allergens.
Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Your Health
It feels good to step outside and get some fresh air. Your home and indoor workplace needs it too. If your home or workplace does not get enough fresh air (or “natural ventilation”), your health could suffer.
How does indoor air pollution affect your health? Common effects include:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
- Other occupational issues in workplace settings.
As you can see, your health depends on the quality of your indoor air. There are oftentimes many simple steps that can be taken to help improve indoor air quality.
Click HERE to learn more about Indoor Air Quality!
RPF Environmental has been helping customers with indoor air quality since 1991. If you have questions about resolving your indoor air quality problems, or if persistent problems require a professional assessment, please give us a call at 603-942-5432!
