Indoor Air Pollution Has Become A Growing Health Concern

According to Global Health Risks, “Mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks indoor air pollution is responsible for 2.7% of the global burden of disease.” Both health experts and consumers have now become increasingly concerned about the increase in air pollution indoors and its impact on human health.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures. Exposure to indoor air pollution is determined by the concentrations of pollutants in the indoor environment and the amount of time that is spent in the indoor environment that has poor quality air. Tiny airborne contaminants with a diameter of 10 microns or less can penetrate deep in the lungs when inhaled and have harmful effects on human health. Women and children that spend a lot of time in the home are particularly at high risk of exposure to harmful airborne particles.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is another health hazard. ET is the mixture of smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe as well as smoke exhaled by the smoker. The smoke produced is a blend of over 4,000 compounds with more than 40 of the compounds identified as a cause of cancer in humans or animals. Infants and young children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and they are more likely to have symptoms of respiratory irritation such as excess phlegm, chronic coughing, and wheezing.

Poor indoor air quality can contribute to the development of a number of health problems. Chronic respiratory illnesses such as lung disease, asthma, and bronchitis can be worsened for those afflicted with such health conditions. People can also develop such conditions when constantly exposed to poor quality indoor air. There can also be biological contaminants in the home contributing to poor quality indoor air such as mould, mildew, and bacteria resulting from a moist environment. People living in buildings with mould are more likely to suffer from symptoms like wheezing, runny eyes and nose, coughing, chest congestion, chronic coughing, and other allergic reactions. Exposure to mould can also trigger asthma symptoms. Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins.

There are a number of other symptoms indicating exposure to poor quality indoor air which include: headaches, dizziness, migraines, nasal congestion, nausea, digestive problems, insomnia, irritability, dry and pale skin, and lethargy. As well, some types of infectious illnesses such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are transmitted through the air. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research compiled that is demonstrating that the air within homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air and other research has found that people now spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. As a result, the risk of disease and illness is now much higher for those constantly exposed to air pollution indoors. For this reason, health organizations and government agencies are offering guides and manuals on improving the quality of air within homes and buildings.

Today, consumers can find a wealth of information online about the various ways they can reduce or eliminate indoor air pollution. Solutions to improving indoor air quality can range from something simple like using chemical free cleaners, making the home smoke free, putting a humidifier in the basement, changing air filters frequently, and making sure there is adequate ventilation throughout the home. Or, people can be more proactive by getting their indoor air tested for contaminants, hiring professional duct cleaners to give their air ducts a thorough cleaning, replacing all household and personal care products containing chemicals with more natural products, and taking steps to remove common sources of pollution, or reduce their emissions. This can include removing furnishings containing harmful chemicals such as furniture made of certain pressed wood, removing old and damp carpets, getting the fireplace thoroughly cleaned, and more. When taking both small and big steps to improve the quality of indoor air, you and your family will definitely see an improvement in your health and well being.

Duct Cleaning company Laird and Son in Toronto. Visit Laird and Son Heating & Air Conditioning 20 Cardinal Place, Toronto, ON M4N 2S1 (416) 421-2121