Minimizing Indoor Air Pollution With Effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Solutions

Indoor air pollution is when contaminants within the air are harmful to those breathing them in the environment. Poor air quality can contribute to the development of sickness, infections and in extreme cases the development of severe chronic illnesses (like asthma).

Long-term exposure to indoor air contaminants can cause a variety of health issues. Short-term exposure to reduced indoor air quality can cause respiratory aggravation and symptoms of illness and allergies to increase in household members.

Examples of air pollution include:

• Tobacco smoke
• Carbon dioxide
• Pet dander
• Floating dirt
• Mold or mold spores
• Pollen
• Household chemicals and pesticides

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent indoor air pollution, and several upgrades in air filtration systems can help limit the amount of exposure people have to harmful air contaminants.

COMMON CAUSES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS

Indoor air pollutants are so common that it is imperative to have a preventative strategy to deal with them. The effectiveness of your air filtration and HVAC system is your main line of defense against indoor air pollution.

COMMON INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS

• Bacteria can grow in unclean environments, such as the areas of your home that are difficult to reach, like behind the stove or underneath the refrigerator.
• Moist environments culture mold and fungi, which may release contaminant spores into the air.
• VOCs can be found in detergents, paints, perfumes, air fresheners, polishes and other household cleaning products.
• Emissions from fireplaces, stoves and other household appliances can add gasses into the air, like carbon monoxide.
• Cigarettes can create a haze of toxic fumes that compromise your indoor air quality.

One of the most significant risks of indoor air pollutants is that they are unseen. They can build up in the environment and cause illness over time, and symptoms may not show until it's too late.

THREE PHASES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

The common causes of indoor air pollution can be broken down into three phases:

• Bioaerosols: Bioaerosols are germs. These include the airflow transfer of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Bioaerosols present a risk to your immune system. After long periods of exposure, you may begin to show symptoms of infection or illness.
• Particulates: Particulates can include matter small enough to be transferred through the air. These include mold spores, mildew, smoke, pollen and dust. Particulates are often hidden from the eye and may not be identified without proper HVAC filter inspections. Change your filters often (at least once every three months during high-use seasons) to ensure air purity.
• Volatile Organic Compounds: Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, are gases and toxins that enter the air in a variety of ways. You may be exposed to VOCs through household cleaning products, off-gassing from fresh paint and other renovation processes. VOCs can include potentially carcinogenic materials such as formaldehyde, so it is incredibly important to limit VOC filtration within your home.