What Causes Indoor Air Quality Problems?

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 of an older home. New products do not have asbestos since it has been banned in the US.

Radon

It may be found in specific rock formations beneath your home and some building materials. It is a gaseous radioactive element that is odorless and colorless. The gas isn’t harmful, but its emission after decay is of major concern. After decay radon produces progenies and radioactive particles, which tend to stick to the lungs ultimately causing cancer.

Smoke

This could be smoke coming from a cigarette exhaled by smokers and from fireplaces and stoves. Smoke has been known to increase the risk of lower tract respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ar infections and asthma episodes. It also causes coughing, wheezing and excess phlegm.

Mold and Mildew

These are allergens that grow in damp environments from outdoor areas. It is harmful when one is exposed to it over long periods of time. It causes health effects such as asthma, allergic reactions, and respiratory conditions.

Formaldehyde

It is an organic colorless chemical used in a wide range of products ranging from shampoos to carpets. It is an excellent preservative and is mainly released from building materials such as pressed wood and furniture made from this wood. Exposure to this pollutant causes eye, throat and nose irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The US EPA ranks it as being carcinogenic to humans.
Poor ventilation and high humidity allow the retainment of these pollutants indoors causing them to stagnate and breed.

Expert Heating & Cooling Services

Airmax Heating and Air Conditioning is an expert HVAC company serving Burbank and the surrounding areas. Contact us today and let’s discuss ways to improve your indoor air quality!