How's Your Indoor Air Quality


Most people think of pollution as an outdoor source of contaminants that can have damaging effects on health. But did you know that exposure to pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors?

If you're thinking 'not in my house,' keep in mind that of the millions of particles that float in every cubic foot of your home, you can see only about 1 per cent without a microscope! You can vacuum and clean all you want, but because of their naturally sticky characteristics, these particles are usually left behind even after the most stringent scrubbing. Plus, many of the contaminants are so small that they never even land on a surface.

Indoor air is circulated and recycled over and over, and today's homes are insulated better than ever before to conserve energy - so the tiny culprits are trapped inside. Add to that the startling fact that in today's world, people spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors, especially in the winter, and it's easy to understand why respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies and emphysema may be due in part to the lack of filtration of the indoor air we breathe.

Most people are unaware of the contaminant-producing aspects of their day-to-day lives. Pets shed skin scales and hair, and produce allergy-inducing dander. If you or any of your family members smoke, if your home contains urea-formaldehyde or asbestos insulation, if you engage in hobbies such as woodworking or model-building, if you use pressurized aerosol canisters or insecticides or pesticides indoors, if you operate an unvented gas space heater, if heating vents are corroded or rusted, and/or if part of your living area is below ground, you live with contaminants you most likely cannot see.

You may, however, be able to smell or see the effects of some of them. If your air seems stale or you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces, you may have a build-up of contaminants. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, colds, sinus problems, lack of energy, itchy or watery eyes and/or mild depression in you or your family members may indicate a problem with indoor air quality.

What can I do?

To minimize the negative effects of indoor pollution, you can take steps toward better indoor air quality. Electronic air cleaners and high-efficiency air filters can confine bioaerosols, and germicidal ultraviolet lights neutralize the particles. Air purification systems destroy all classes of contaminants, and ventilation systems help remove particles and bioaerosols by exchanging stale, recirculated air with fresh, filtered outside air. Proponents of air filters report that it can take up to four months for your home to fully benefit, depending on the air change rate (the number of times per hour that the air in a given space is replaced).

Improper humidity levels and high temperatures can increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols, and home heating can drastically dry out the air in your home. Humidifiers help to prevent you and your family from the negative effects of dryness - in the winter as well as the summer. Install a humidistat and thermostat to regulate your home's moisture level and temperature.

Use Common Sense

  • Install smoke, carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
  • Air out your home frequently, particularly after exposure to new building materials such as paints or carpeting.
  • Keep indoor humidity levels below 50 per cent.
  • Smoke only outdoors, or increase ventilation in the indoor areas where you smoke.
  • When showering or cooking, open a window or operate an exhaust fan.
  • Clean and disinfect, or replace, water-damaged carpets and building materials.
  • Store, use and dispose of household chemicals and painting supplies in a safe manner.
  • If you keep your vehicle in the garage, start it only with the garage door open, and leave the door open for a few minutes after leaving or entering.
  • Never start or operate gasoline-powered lawn equipment in the garage.

If in doubt, check with an expert as to how you can increase your indoor air quality. Today's technology can help you breathe easier.



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