The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us a valuable lesson – the quality of the air we breathe indoors is of paramount importance. Whether due to lockdowns that kept us indoors or concerns about indoor environments, indoor air quality has become a significant consideration for homeowners and business proprietors alike.
The Impact of Covid on Indoor Air Quality
The pandemic made it abundantly clear that poor air quality can lead to illness. This realization has triggered a significant shift in how people perceive the link between health and the air they breathe indoors. Individuals are now more conscious of the need to take additional steps to ensure clean, virus-free air within their indoor spaces.
As commercial businesses reopen and welcome employees and customers, there is a heightened focus on workplace safety and indoor air quality to safeguard the well-being of everyone. Particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions, the experience of Covid has made homeowners acutely aware of the importance of a healthy home environment and how poor air quality can impact their health.
Defining Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality encompasses how the air inside homes and buildings affects the health and safety of occupants. Several factors contribute to indoor air quality, including humidity, temperature, ventilation, and the presence of chemical and biological contaminants. Problems in any of these areas can lead to severe health issues if not properly addressed. Surprisingly, many pollutants are more harmful indoors due to higher concentrations, often two to five times greater than outdoors.
Indoor Air Quality: A Growing Environmental Concern
Indoor air pollution has now emerged as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Studies reveal that approximately 3.8 million people worldwide die annually due to indoor air pollution. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that poor indoor air quality affects 33-50% of commercial buildings, leading to over 10 million lost workdays each year.
Health issues associated with indoor air pollution encompass respiratory problems, aggravated allergies, headaches, heart disease, cancer, and even fatalities in cases of high concentrations of pollutants like carbon monoxide.
Biological Contaminants Degrading Indoor Air Quality
Mold
Mold spores, a common biological pollutant, are present both outdoors and indoors. Mold finds its way indoors through doorways, vents, windows, and even on clothing and shoes. Growth typically occurs in areas with high humidity or water damage, such as damp basements, bathrooms, or leaky roofs. Mold can lead to health problems like eye and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma or emphysema.
Allergens, Pollen, and Bacteria
Dust mite allergens, a potent biological allergen, persist in homes regardless of cleanliness and can exacerbate conditions like asthma. Pet dander, pollen, and airborne bacteria are additional contributors to indoor air quality issues.
Taking Control of Indoor Air Quality
If you suspect allergens in your carpets or indoor air, consult an expert in indoor air contaminants to assess environmental hazards in your home. Based on their findings, they can recommend strategies to eliminate or reduce exposure to known allergens.
Every homeowner and business owner should prioritize air quality inspections just like they do with annual medical check-ups. If you genuinely care about your health, understanding what you breathe in is crucial.
As more states mandate inspections and testing for new home construction and sales, combined with the lessons learned from Covid-19, addressing mold and other common biological pollutants to ensure safe indoor air has never been more vital.
To ensure the air in your environment remains healthy, do not hesitate to contact Building Performance Solution!