HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS

A way to judge whether your home has or could develop indoor air problems is to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution. Although the presence of such sources does not necessarily mean that you have an indoor air quality problem, being aware of the type and number of potential sources is an important step toward assessing the air quality in your home. Look for problems with the ventilation in your home. Indications your home may not have enough ventilation include condensation on windows or walls; smelly or stuffy air; dirty central heating and air cooling equipment; and areas where books, shoes, or other items become moldy. To detect odors in your home, step outside for a few minutes and when coming back inside note any odors. If there is noticable odor,you may benefit bycontacting Advanced Home Inspection Services for an Indoor Air Quality Assessment.

HOW CAN INDOOR AIR QUALITY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?

It is widely accepted, and backed by scientific evidence, that the air within homes, workplaces and other buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air. This is a significant public health issue because people spend up to 90% of their time indoors and those exposed for the longest periods of time are often the most susceptible to the effects of poor air quality. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or many years later. Immediate or acute effects may occur after single or repeated exposures and include headaches, dizziness, fatigue and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Such effects are usually treatable and relatively short-term. The likelihood of acute reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on factors such as age, preexisting medical conditions and individual sensitivities. Some people can become sensitized to certain pollutants after repeated exposures. Long term or chronic effects may show up years after exposure has occurred following repeated periods of exposure. While pollutants commonly found in indoor air are responsible for many harmful effects, there is considerable uncertainty about what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems. People react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants.