Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?
Absolutely. Air pollution levels can be as much as 100 times worse indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association says that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, making it essential for homeowners to be knowledgeable about indoor air quality (IAQ) in Hillsborough.
Many standard household things create bad indoor air quality, like:
- Chemicals found in carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
- Cleaning products
- Paint
- Personal care items
The snug construction of modern residences also contributes significantly to bad IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on heating and cooling expenses. However, they also block adequate ventilation by keeping interior air in and outside air out. The outcome can be an accumulation of fumes inside your home.
Inferior IAQ can be a direct or indirect cause of various health troubles. Medical experts report that as many as half of all sicknesses are caused or irritated by indoor air pollution.
Chemicals within your home can bring on flu-like symptoms like headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation. It can also aggravate allergies and asthma.
Enough ventilation also is an important part of enhancing indoor air quality, as it lowers the amount of indoor pollutants.
