A study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that indoor exposure to harmful air pollutants could be up to 100 times greater than outdoors. The EPA now classifies indoor air quality as one of our most important environmental concerns.
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (part of the National Institute of Health), indoor airborne allergens and pollutants can trigger a wide range of symptoms including:
| Allergic rhinitisSinusitisHeadachesFatigueNauseaDepressionDermatitisRashSore throatNasal congestionItchy or watery eyes |
People with weakened immune systems can be especially susceptible to more severe complications, such as bronchial infections or pneumonia. While medical science has made great strides in developing medications to treat allergic reactions, health professionals generally recommend reducing or eliminating exposure over merely treating symptoms.
Home IAQ Check List
If you can answer yes to two or more of the following questions, you may want to take steps to improve the IAQ of your home:
- Does anyone in your family suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems?
- Do they notice that their symptoms (headaches, fatigue, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc.) are worse at night or in the morning?
- Does any family member have immune system problems or illness?
- Do you have an infant child or elderly family member?
- Is there a smoker in the house?
- Are there any pets?
- Do you notice a stale or musty odor when the furnace or air conditioner runs?
- Do you notice dust on furniture shortly after cleaning?
- Is your home new?
- Is your home more than 10 years old?
- Does dirt or dust accumulate on your supply or return air grills?
