12 Sep Getting A Better Understanding of Indoor Air Quality
Research has shown that nearly 90% of Americans spend their time indoors. Given the amount of time we spend indoors, indoor air quality is critical for our health and well being.
Recent research by the EPA has revealed that indoor air quality in large urban areas is much worse than outdoor air. Research has also shown that indoor quality can have a negative impact on worker productivity, up to 50% according to studies.
Mold is just one factor that can impact the air we breathe. Our expertise is in mold inspection and mold remediation. We must be aware of other factors which can impact indoor air quality.
Sometimes mold inspections can uncover other indoor pollutants that are the root cause of the problem.
Indoor pollutants are not limited to mold.
- Carbon Monoxide
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Lead
- Stoves, fireplaces and chimneys
- Cigarettes and tobacco smoke
- Pets
- Construction materials
- Beauty products
According to the EPA, immediate effects of indoor air pollution include irritation to the eyes and nose, throat, throat, and headaches. Indoor air pollution can also affect asthma and other diseases. Indoor pollutants can cause lung disease, heart disease, and cancer.
The long-term effects of indoor air pollutants may not become apparent for many years. The EPA has more information about indoor air pollutants and their health effects.
While we know indoor pollutants can be harmful to our health, it’s not clear how long or how high they must be allowed to cause an effect. Indoor pollutants can cause a variety of reactions in people. The same applies to mold.
Mold can have serious consequences for your health, but not everyone is at risk. There are currently no guidelines for how long or how often you should be exposed to mold to have an effect on your health.
It is important to keep in mind that not all mold companies are trained in the detection and removal of asbestos. Most likely, you will need to hire another company that specializes in the removal and detection of indoor pollutants. These indoor pollutants won’t be tested during a mold inspection.
Mold inspection companies that are not qualified in these areas can still detect indoor pollutants.
My home might be contaminated with unacceptable indoor air pollutants. What can I do?
The EPA guidelines state that there are three major strategies to improve air quality.
- Source Removal
- Ventilation improvements
- Air cleaners
It is better to get rid of the source. It is impossible to give specific instructions on how each indoor pollutant should been removed. No matter what indoor pollutant it is, proper elimination is the best option.
We will conclude this article by discussing ventilation improvements in a separate section.
There are many types of air cleaners available on the market. There are many models on the market, from portable units that can fit on a table to larger systems that can be mounted throughout your home. Three factors affect the effectiveness of an air purifier:
- The filter being used
- Air filtration device air flow
- Which indoor pollutant are you concerned about?
Filters are not all created equal. Some filters are better at removing contaminants from the air than others. HEPA filters are recommended for mold remediation.
Air cleaners draw different amounts of air. It can vary from one device to the next.
It is crucial to identify the type of indoor air cleaner in order to assess its effectiveness. The EPA states that indoor pollutants such as radon should be removed by air filtration devices.
Ventilation
As we’ve already said, ventilation is an important factor in controlling indoor air pollution. Proper ventilation is essential for indoor air quality. The air in a room should be equal to the amount it receives.
If you open the windows to let in fresh air, it will allow air from your bedroom to escape.
Air exchange is important because it reduces indoor air pollutants. If you’ve ever had a cooking catastrophe in your kitchen, you know what to do.
This is an example of the negative effects of indoor pollutants (in particular, smoke) and ventilation that can be used to reduce them. Indoor air pollutants can be less obvious in many cases. Indoor air pollution can build up slowly and you might not even be aware.
Modern construction often renders ventilation and air exchange inconvenient. These homes could have higher indoor pollutants if not equipped with mechanical ventilation systems that allow the outside air in.
However, older homes are more susceptible to leakage and allow more air in from the outside. We don’t advocate for tight or leaky homes. We are simply trying to compare the two for ventilation purposes.
Natural ventilation occurs when you open your windows and let in fresh air. There are two types. There are two types of ventilation: bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen exhaust fans, as well as filtration. Air flows through cracks, openings, and joints, and through walls, windows, and other locations. ).
Exhaust and bathroom fans should be vented outdoors. Indoor mold growth can be triggered by moisture problems. Indoor air pollution can increase when indoor air is replaced at a slower rate.
It is also important to allow the outside in. High humidity levels can cause mold growth. To reduce the growth of dust mites, pollens and dander in your home, you need to do regular cleaning and maintenance. These pollutants can have a negative impact on indoor air quality and can be a food source for mold growth.
As you can see, indoor air quality can also be affected by factors other than mold. These factors should all be taken into consideration when you assess indoor air quality in the home.