11 Apr A Better Understanding of Indoor Air Quality
Research shows that as high as 90% of us spend our time indoors. Indoor air quality is crucial for our health and well-being, given the amount of indoor time we spend.
According to the EPA, recent research has shown that indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air in large industrialized cities. Studies have also shown that indoor air quality can impact worker productivity by up to 50%.
Mold is only one factor that can affect the air we breathe. Our expertise lies in mold remediation and mold inspection. However, we must also be aware of other factors that can affect indoor air quality.
Sometimes, a mold inspection can reveal other indoor pollutants as the root cause of the problem.
Other than mold, indoor pollutants include:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Lead
- Stoves, fireplaces, chimneys
- Tobacco smoke and cigarettes
- Pets
- Materials for construction
- Beauty products
The EPA states that immediate effects from indoor air pollutants include irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and headaches. Other diseases, such as asthma, may also be affected by indoor air pollution. Exposure to indoor pollutants can lead to lung diseases, heart disease and cancer.
These long-term effects may not be apparent until many years after exposure to indoor air pollutants. To find out more about the health effects of a specific indoor air pollutant, consult the EPA.
Although we all know that indoor pollutants can have harmful effects on our health, it is not clear how much or how long one must be exposed for them to cause a specific effect. Every person reacts differently when exposed to indoor pollutants. This is also true for mold.
Although mold can cause serious health problems, not everyone is affected by it. There are no current standards for how much or how long to be exposed to mold in order to have a specific effect on your health.
Important to remember that not all mold companies have the same training in the removal and detection of other indoor pollutants like asbestos. You will most likely need to hire another company who specializes in the removal of these indoor pollutants. These other indoor pollutants will not be tested in a mold inspection.
If the mold inspection company is not trained in these areas, there are other ways to detect indoor pollutants.
My home may be contaminated by unacceptable indoor air pollutants. What should I do?
According to EPA guidelines, there is three main strategies for improving air quality.
- Source Removal
- Ventilation improvements
- Air cleaners
It is best to eliminate the source. It is not possible to discuss the specifics of how each indoor pollutant should be removed. It doesn’t matter if it is mold, asbestos, lead or any other indoor pollutant, proper elimination is the best way to go.
To conclude this article, we will discuss ventilation improvements in a separate section.
There are many models of air cleaners on the market. They range from small, portable units that can be put on a table to large systems that can be installed throughout your entire home. The effectiveness of an air cleaner is affected by three factors:
- The filter being used
- Air filtration device air flow
- What type of indoor pollutant is present?
All filters are not created equal. Some filters are more effective at removing pollutants from the air than others. This is why HEPA filters should be used in mold remediation.
Air cleaners do not draw the same amount of air. It varies from one device to another.
It is important to determine the effectiveness of an indoor air cleaner by determining its type. According to the EPA, air filtration devices and cleaners should not be used to remove certain indoor pollutants like radon.
Ventilation
Ventilation is an important variable in controlling indoor air pollution levels, as we have already mentioned. High quality indoor air requires proper ventilation. A room must have the same volume of air as it receives.
For example, if you open the window to let fresh air in, it will allow air to exit from your bedroom.
Because it helps to reduce indoor air pollutants, air exchange is essential. You know what to do if you have ever experienced a cooking disaster in your kitchen that set off the smoke alarm.
This is a clear example of the harmful effects of indoor pollutants (in this instance, smoke) and ventilation to control them. In many cases, however, indoor air pollutants are less apparent. Indoor air pollution could build up slowly, and you may not be aware.
Modern construction often makes ventilation and air exchange unnecessary. These homes may have higher indoor pollutants if they are not equipped with mechanical ventilation systems that allow outside air to enter the house.
Older homes, on the other hand, are more likely to be leaky than others and allow in more air from the outside. We aren’t advocating for leaky or tight homes. For the purpose of ventilation discussion, we are merely trying to compare one with the other.
Natural ventilation is when you open your windows to let in fresh air. There are two types of ventilation. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans) as well as infiltration. air flows into openings, joints and cracks, through walls, windows and other places. ).
It is important that exhaust and bathroom fans are vented outside. Otherwise, moisture problems can follow and lead to indoor mold growth. Indoor air pollution levels can rise when indoor air replaces indoor air at a slow rate.
Also, it is important to let the outside in. This is because high levels of humidity can lead mold growth. Regular household cleaning and maintenance are essential to reduce dander, pollens, and dust mites. These pollutants can not only negatively impact indoor air quality but can also provide food for mold growth.
The article above shows that indoor air quality can be affected by other factors than mold. These factors should be considered when you next assess the indoor air quality in your home.