How Clean is the Air in Your Home?
The need for clean air in our homes should not be underestimated. Canadians spend an average of 90% of their time inside; and our homes contain many substances that may be hazardous to our health.
Indoor air pollutants range from minor irritants such as dust and animal dander, to major irritants such as molds and chemical vapours that may be emitted from building materials and furnishings.
It is important to be aware of how air contaminants can affect our health and to adopt corrective measures that will improve indoor air quality in our homes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Living with Poor Indoor Air Quality
You don’t have to suffer from poor indoor air quality. If you learn more about air pollutants, you’ll understand how to spot them and how to get rid of them.
Common signs and symptoms of people exposed to poor indoor air include:
Headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath
Worsening allergy and asthma symptoms
Sinus congestion, cough, and sneezing
Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation
Dizziness and nausea
The ABC’s of IAQ?
Common Sources of Air Quality Problems.
Poor indoor air can arise from many sources. At least some of the following contaminants can be found in almost any home:
• Poor ventilation: unvented kerosense and gas heaters, gas appliances, wood and gas burning fireplaces, leaking chimneys and furnaces and automobile exhaust in attached garages are all basic factors to consider when dealing with poor indoor air quality.
• Moisture and biological pollutants: such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander and cockroaches from high humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners.
• Combustion products: including carbon monoxide, from unvented fossil fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and backdrafting from furnaces and water heaters.
