Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?
Frequently Asked QuestionsPoor indoor air quality (IAQ) can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants in your home's air can cause dizziness, headaches and nausea, plus aggravate allergies and asthma. Clean indoor air benefits everyone, even people who have never suffered from allergies.
Related QuestionsWhat is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the effect, good or bad, of the contents of the air inside a structure, on its occupants. Usually, temperature (too hot or too cold), humidity (too dry or too damp), and air velocity (draftiness or motionlessness) are considered "comfort" rather than indoor air quality issues. Unless they are extreme, they may make someone unhappy, but they won't make a person ill.
Related QuestionsWhat should employees do when they believe the indoor air is causing them health problems?
Assured Indoor Air Quality, L.P.-Sampling for Mold, Bacteria...Seek medical attention. If there is a connection between their medical condition and the indoor air in the workplace, the medical provider will need to explain to the claims administrator the link between the working environment and the employees’ medical condition. If the claim is denied, employees have the right to appeal the decision through the proper channels. The air inside a building is rarely insured.
Related QuestionsWhat are the health effects that may be associated with poor indoor air quality?
Broward County - Air Quality DivisionThere is a broad spectrum of health effects from poor indoor air quality. There may be no effect or significant effects for some individuals, as well as multiple variations in between. The effect on any one individual will be determined by the type of contaminant in the air, the quantity of contaminant, the duration of the exposure, and the individual's unique physiological response to the contaminant. Poor indoor air quality can be implicated in a variety of health related symptoms.
Related QuestionsWhat is the relationship between indoor and outdoor air quality (pollution)?
No building is perfectly sealed and so the air inside ultimately originates outside. Air pollution present in the outdoor environment will therefore enter into the building as well. Generally, pollutants present in the outdoor environment are present at a somewhat lower concentration than outside (probably 10 to 90% in most cases). There are several reasons for this. Some pollutants are absorbed by materials in the building. Others deteriorate or react chemically and so disappear.
Related QuestionsHow can you tell if you have an indoor air quality problem in a building?
The usual clue is that people feel ill while inside the building, and the symptoms go away shortly after leaving the building, or sometimes, when away for the building for a period of time (as on weekends away from work, or a vacation). This doesn't necessarily work in cases of BRI (sections 2.3, 2.4), where it may take medical testing and investigation of the building to determine whether the building is the source of the problem.
Related QuestionsWhat should you do if you suspect you have an indoor air quality problem?
Look over this FAQ. Find the material most related to what seems to be going on. In most cases there are suggestions as to things that can checked in to. Some of these can be checked by anyone; others require an expert (medical doctor, HVAC service company, IAQ investigator, etc.).
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, so clean indoor air is very important.Related Questions
How healthy is your indoor air?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAccording to studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside your home may up five times more polluted than the air outside. For some people, this may mean no more than a runny nose or watery eyes. But, for others, particularly children, seniors and those who suffer from respiratory ailments, the effects may be devastating and long lasting. Reducing the amount of pollutants in the air is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality.
Related QuestionsWhat is a hazardous air pollutant?
School Bus Diesel Emissions - Frequently Asked QuestionsAccording to Section 112(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must compile a list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). These are pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental and ecological effects.
Related QuestionsHow does indoor air quality affect my health?
Goettle Air Conditioning | Commercial | FAQAllergies; asthma; dry, itchy skin; irritated eyes, nose and throat; headaches; dizziness; fatigue. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to all of these medical conditions and symptoms. In fact, your indoor air can be five times more polluted than the air outside. The EPA ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health.
Related QuestionsWhat are the health risks of indoor air pollution?
Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detector, Carbon Monoxide D...Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified.
Related QuestionsHow does indoor air pollution affect your health?
Heating & Cooling Frequently Asked Questions by Vertex Mecha...Health effects can include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and allergy-type symptoms. Usually these symptoms are short term and disappear when the person is away from the source. More serious symptoms such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever can also affect some individuals after exposure to certain indoor air pollutants.
Related QuestionsThe Environment and Women's HealthHealth effects from indoor air pollution may start right away or occur years later. These things can happen after exposed once or many times: Most of the time, you can treat these symptoms, and they do not last long. Sometimes, the treatment is simply avoiding the source of the pollution, if you know what it is. Other health effects may show up years later, or only after long periods of being exposed. These health effects include: How indoor air pollution affects you depends on many factors.Related Questions
Why should I be concerned about indoor air quality?
Assured Indoor Air Quality, L.P.-Sampling for Mold, Bacteria...According to the World Health Organization, as many as one-third of the buildings in the United States may have some form of indoor air pollution which is potentially harmful to people. Since most Americans now spend more than 80% of their time indoors, it is important to be sure that the air they are breathing is not harming them.
Related QuestionsHow can I tell if there are indoor air pollutants?
Assured Indoor Air Quality, L.P.-Sampling for Mold, Bacteria...The only way to diagnose indoor air with certainty is through scientific evaluation. The people who occupy the building, however, are also affected by the air inside it, and their physical symptoms can provide several important indications that the indoor may be contaminated. Conditions such as headaches; eye, nose or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty concentrating and fatigue are all indicators that there may be contaminants in the air.
Related QuestionsWhat causes indoor air pollution?
Frequently Asked QuestionsMany everyday household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric consistently emit gas or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, paints and personal care products. Also, newer homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency tend to limit air circulation, which can contribute to a buildup of contaminants.
Related QuestionsHow can I improve my indoor air quality?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe first step toward better indoor air is to identify the types of pollutants present in the home. The best way to do this is to schedule an in-home air-quality test with your local Lennox dealer. Routine cleaning and housekeeping helps reduce indoor air pollutants, but these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface.
Related QuestionsWhat indoor air pollutants are found in buildings?
Broward County - Air Quality DivisionThe air pollutants found in industrial buildings varies widely and depend on the type of activities performed. Non-industrial buildings are not likely to be a source of high levels of any indoor air pollutant. These may include: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, biological contaminants such as animal dander, molds and dust mites, volatile organic compounds (cleaning agents, solvents and other), radon , asbestos and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
Related QuestionsWhat human health effects are associated with indoor air pollution?
EHN's Government Links, A - Fbottle . . . for you and those around you. There are safer alternatives. Be a wise shopper. -- barb; 9/25/04 be harmful." (Source: Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR)) http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/23/politics/23POLL.html?position=top&todaysheadlines=&pagewanted=print&position=top
Related QuestionsIf I don't notice these indoor air pollutants, why should I be concerned for my health?
Commercial Air Purifiers - FAQOnly about 10% of airborne pollutants are visible to the naked eye. Disease-causing bacteria and germs, toxic fumes from cleaning solvents and pesticides, outgassing from flooring adhesive and furniture and colonies of mold spores, though often undetectable, when airborne, can make their way into your lungs.
Related QuestionsWhy is the indoor environment important to our health?
FAQ | Rainbow International | Water, Fire, Smoke Damage, Hom...Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health, but may not know that indoor air pollution also can have significant effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times and, occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels...read more. Carpets in schools can help the quality of indoor air by trapping contaminants and allergens, says a Cornell University indoor environmental expert..
Related QuestionsWhat is the Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act (NCIAA)?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Omaha Smoke-Free LawThe Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act is a State law that applies to all businesses. On and after October 2, 2006 the NCIAA will primarily pertain to those businesses with a delayed smoke-free date in the Omaha Smoke-Free Ordinance. The NCIAA requires that if a smoking area is provided in restaurants with a public area of over 1200 square feet and all other businesses regardless of size (except bars, which are exempt) a nonsmoking area must be created.
Related QuestionsWhat are the sources of poor indoor air quality?
RPS Products Best Air - Frequently Asked QuestionsSome sources of indoor air pollution: tobacco smoke, pollen, dust, animal dander, mold, mildew, radon, cleaning products, beauty products, building materials, carpets, furniture, air fresheners, pesticides, etc.
Related QuestionsWhat is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and is it really a problem?
Frequently Asked Questions - BreathePureAir.comThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) the nation's worst environmental health problem, even worse than outdoor air pollution. A significant increase in asthma and hay fever corresponds to an increased level of allergens and irritants in our homes and offices as a result of poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Related QuestionsJust what is “good” indoor air quality?
Assured Indoor Air Quality, L.P.-Sampling for Mold, Bacteria...the core of the issue is the effect of indoor air components – microbiological, chemical or particulate – on the well-being and productivity of the occupants. It is well documented that poor indoor air quality may adversely affect both health and productivity. In this context, allergic reactions, exacerbation of asthmatic responses, and fatigue are clearly negative impacts.
Related QuestionsHow do I know what indoor air pollutant is bothering me?
Assured Indoor Air Quality, L.P.-Sampling for Mold, Bacteria...There are “signatures” associated with some components that cause problems. Knowing your symptoms and the conditions around you at the time they appear can be of great value to an IAQ investigator.
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