What is indoor air quality and why is it important?

“Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.”

-United States Environmental Protection Agency

Primary Causes of Indoor Air Problems are Biological Pollutants

“Biological contaminants include bacteria, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants. By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for homes. Standing water, water-damaged materials or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria and insects. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments.”

-EPA

Including but not limited to:

• brightness_1pollens, which originate from plants
• brightness_1mold
• brightness_1bacteria, which are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris
• brightness_1droppings and body parts from cockroaches, rodents and other pests or insects
• brightness_1The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne.
• brightness_1Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home

Many of these biological contaminants are small enough to be inhaled. Biological contaminants are, or are produced by, living things. Biological contaminants are often found in areas that provide food and moisture or water, like a damp basement or crawlspace.

Health Effects from Biological Contaminants according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency:

Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including:

• brightness_1hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• brightness_1allergic rhinitis
• brightness_1some types of asthma

Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles and chicken pox are transmitted through the air. Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include:

• brightness_1sneezing
• brightness_1watery eyes
• brightness_1coughing
• brightness_1shortness of breath
• brightness_1dizziness
• brightness_1lethargy
• brightness_1fever
• brightness_1digestive problems

Long-Term Effects according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency:

“Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.”

“Children, elderly people and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air.”

“Mold, dust mites, pet dander and pest droppings or body parts can trigger asthma. Biological contaminants, including molds and pollens can cause allergic reactions for a significant portion of the population. Tuberculosis, measles, staphylococcus infections, Legionella and influenza are known to be transmitted by air.”

At least 50% of the air that you are breathing in your home comes from your basement or crawlspace.

For further information please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HERE and search indoor air quality.

More information can also be found at the United States Environmental Protection Agency HERE.