Indoor Air Quality
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term used to describe indoor air and the relationship of occupants to potentially harmful contaminants in the indoor environment. An EPA study indicates that airborne pollutants are 2-100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The US EPA ranks indoor air pollution in the top 5 environmental risks. Many believe it should be the number 1 environmental risk of concern!
Indoor Air Pollution- What's Really in Indoor Air?
Because we have sealed up our homes and buildings to conserve energy, we are recycling the same particle, gas, bacteria and germ laden air over and over again. Ironically, the tighter and more energy efficient our buildings are, the worse the indoor air pollution becomes! Our bodies defense mechanisms easily remove most particle larger than 3 microns in diameter. Particles below .5 microns are so small that they often lodge in the linings and between cells in our mucous membranes, sinuses, lungs, and bronchia. Many researchers believe that the build up of these small particles, many of which are man made, are a major cause of the exploding number of chronic cases of allergies, asthma, emphysema, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
Sources of Indoor Pollution
- Molds and spores
- Occupants' skin dander
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Pet Dander
- Spores and pollen from indoor plants
- Dust and other particulates
- Cigarette smoke