What Causes Indoor Air Quality Problems?

August 5, 2018

Problems with indoor air quality occurs when air pollutants contaminate indoor air. Unlike popular belief, indoor air pollution is more hazardous than outdoor air pollution. Air pollutants may cause health repercussions both short-term and long-term ranging from nausea and vomiting to serious respiratory diseases. Indoor air pollution sources surround us in our everyday activities. Here are some of these causes: Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC’s) Certain solids and liquids produce toxic gases. VOC’s are found in common household products such as paint, cleaning products, varnishes, building materials, glue, adhesive and some office equipment. Volatile organic compounds cause short-term effects such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide is an odorless colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels. It is emitted from defective furnaces, cigarettes, and automobiles. It is a toxic gas that causes unconsciousness, nausea and when too much even death. A carbon monoxide detector is needed to detect dangerous levels. Asbestos It’s one of the main causes of indoor air quality problems. It is found in materials used in automobiles and home construction. Asbestos is also found in paints, coatings, ceiling building materials and floor tiles. The risk of finding asbestos in a newer home is less than that...

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Why Are Indoor Air Quality Audits Important?

May 30, 2018

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the indoor air quality is an important factor in the human health. One of the best ways you can be environmentally conscious is by creating a clean healthy environment in your own home. Contrary to what you can imagine, the air inside our homes is more polluted than the outside. As such, indoor air quality audit is important. We discuss the significance of indoor air quality testing; To Ensure a Constant Flow of Fresh Air The only way to ensure that your home is as comfortable as possible and that you’ve kept the health-threatening pollutants at bay is by ensuring there’s an uninterrupted flow of fresh air. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be a result of several products that include new carpeting, cleaners, paints, and furniture. The smell of VOCs can last several days to a few weeks and can cause short-term symptoms that include headaches and nausea. Carbon monoxide from furnaces, gas stoves and fireplaces is also another risk to the fresh flow of air. Although CO is invisible, the gas is deadly if it accumulates to dangerous levels. An air quality test should reveal the presence or accumulation of...

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