Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?
Absolutely. Air pollution levels can be nearly 100 times greater in a building than outdoors. The American Lung Association says that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, making it important for homeowners to be aware of indoor air quality (IAQ) in Long Island.
Many regular household products lead to bad indoor air quality, like:
- Chemicals in parts of carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
- Cleaning sprays
- Paint
- Personal care cosmetics
The snug construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to inferior IAQ. Enhancements like weather stripping and storm doors are used to decrease energy bills. However, they also prevent enough ventilation by keeping inside air in and exterior air out. The result could be an accumulation of contaminants inside your house.
Bad IAQ can be a direct or indirect cause of several health issues. Medical professionals have found that as many as half of all sicknesses are caused or irritated by indoor air pollution.
Vapors inside your home can create flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory inflammation. It can also worsen allergies and asthma.
Proper ventilation also is an important factor in enhancing indoor air quality, because it lowers the concentration of indoor pollutants.
