Indoor Air Quality

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• The air quality in public and private buildings is a very important factor to your health. 
• Ensuring good air quality in these indoor spaces that you live, work and play can improve your health, avoid diseases as well as improve your quality of life. 
• Many people spend the most of their day indoors, so it is very important to have healthy indoor air quality and to improve it. 

Poor indoor air quality can be associated with many health problems. These can range from mild respiratory issues to more severe symptoms. Other symptoms that poor air quality may lead to include:

•  eye, nose and sinus inflammation 
•  headaches, recurrent.
•  fatigue,
•  dizziness.

Poor indoor air quality leads to the risk of respiratory diseases, allergy and asthma symptoms, and viruses that can be spread through the air. It may also further irritate existing health conditions and worsen symptoms.

• High levels of environmental pollutants, temperature, air flow, and humidity affects air quality. 
• Poor ventilation of indoor areas can lead to increases in indoor pollution. Ventilation allows air to circulate and dilute pollutants in atmosphere.
•  Poor ventilation might be a result of the absence or poor quality of heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC ) systems.  

When many people think of air pollution, they usually think of the air outside. But did you know that air inside can also be polluted? Indoor air pollution is when the indoor air quality is poor. 

• This could be result of high levels of toxins or chemicals. It might be from poor  ventilation, humidity levels or indoor temperature. The conditions inside and outside of the building both affect the air. 
• Construction quality, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and spatial layout can factor into air quality and pollution.

There are many common sources of indoor air pollution. Some examples of air pollutants are:  

• household cleaning products 
• mold 
• tobacco smoke

Fumes also contribute to pollution. Some examples include: 

• oil
• gas 
• coal 
• wood 
• paint

Gases can contribute to poor indoor air quality, such as:

• carbon monoxide 
• carbon dioxide 
• nitrogen dioxide 
• ammonia

Deteriorating materials can contribute to indoor air pollution, including:

• insulation 
• asbestos 
• chemical coatings on furniture

Typically, the higher the concentration of the pollutant and the older the product, the more hazardous it is. Without proper HVAC systems, indoor spaces may allow in pesticides, radon and outdoor air pollution.

Pets have hair, dander, and saliva (as well as feces and urine) in surrounding environment.

 In addition, pests such as mice, dust mites and cockroaches increase in numbers due to pets, which can further cause indoor air problems.

Due to little ventilation in an indoor space, pollutants can build up. This can  be hazardous and result in serious health problems.

     If there is no outdoor air to dilute the pollutants, it is easier for them to build up to dangerous levels. Also, Most of us including children spend the majority of our time indoors, which can increase the exposure to indoor pollutants.

Indoor air quality can be improved by using air filters in your AC systems. Air filters help ensure HVAC systems are functioning at their best levels.

•  The filters trap and block harmful particles from entering your indoor space. If outdoor air quality is poor, recirculation modes can be used. They reduce the intake of outdoor air, preventing outdoor pollutants from entering. Additionally, an air purifier or air cleaner can help clear less serious pollutants.

• You can open doors and windows to provide proper natural ventilation. 
• You can remove chemicals and hazardous pollutants.
•  you can use more natural cleaning materials to improve indoor air quality. Clean your indoor space often by vacuuming or mopping to remove less hazardous pollutants.