Indoor Air Quality - Introduction

Indoor Air Quality Concerns

Throughout our daily lives, there are a variety of health risks we face. Whether we participate in certain recreational activities, fly in airplanes, drive our cars, or expose ourselves to environmental pollutants, we accept many of these risks. Sometimes, these risks cannot be avoided, or we decide they are acceptable to lead the lifestyle we want. In some cases, however, there are risks that we may want to reduce or avoid entirely. Indoor air quality is one risk that you can do something about. (Read Indoor Air Pollution and Your Health).

A growing body of scientific evidence over the last few years indicates that our homes and buildings have air that is more polluted than the outdoor air. While this may seem hard to believe, in some cases, the indoor air was more polluted than the air in the largest and most industrialized cities. Considering that some studies indicate that people spend about 90% of their time indoors, it is clear to see why indoor air quality is a concern. For many people, their health is more at risk from the indoor air they breathe than from their exposure to outdoor air pollution.

Did you know? The EPA recommends three basic strategies to improve indoor air quality:

• Source Control
• Ventilation Improvements
• Use Air Cleaners

Even more concerning, those who are exposed to indoor air pollution for longer periods of time in many cases are more succeptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality. Examples would include the elderly, the chronically ill, and the young. Even more at risk are those who suffer from cardiovascular disease or respiratory problems.

What Can Cause Indoor Air Problems?

The primary cause of indoor air quality problems are indoor pollution sources that release particles or gases into the air. Indoor pollutant levels can be increased by inadequate ventilation. Without enough outdoor air coming in, the emissions from the indoor sources are not diluted or carried out of the home. Higher temperatures and humidity levels may increase the concentrations of some of the pollutants as well.

Pollutant Sources

The typical home has many sources of indoor air pollution. These sources may include combustion sources (examples: tobacco products, wood, gas, kerosene); building materials such as insulation with asbestos; damp carpet; household cleaning agents, and more. Some of these pollutants are produced at a constant rate, others are product intermittently as products are used. How damaging any of these source might be depends a great deal on how much pollutant it emits and how hazardous it may be. Poor maintenance with certain appliances contribute to the level of pollutants in the air. These pollutants may stay in the air for a considerable amount of time as well.

Amount of Ventilation

Some of the newer construction techniques used that minimize the amount of outdoor air that can get into buildings can contribute to higher indoor pollutant levels. These types of buildings can have significantly higher levels of pollutants as the limited ventilation allows these pollutants to accumulate over time.