“Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.”

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality

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We usually think of air pollution as being outdoors, but the air in your house or office could also be polluted. Sources of indoor pollution include:

• Mold and pollen

• Tobacco smoke

• Household products and pesticides

• Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide

• Materials used in the building such as asbestos, formaldehyde and lead.

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The effects of indoor air pollutants range from short-term effects – eye and throat irritation – to long-term effects – respiratory disease and cancer. Exposure to high levels of some pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, can even result in immediate death. Also, some indoor pollutants can magnify the effects of other indoor pollutants. Based on cancer risk alone, federal scientists have ranked indoor air pollution as one of the most important environmental problems in the United States.

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Common symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution

Symptoms of poor indoor air quality are very broad and depend on the contaminant. They can easily be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses such as allergies, stress, colds and influenza.

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The most common symptoms are:

• coughing

• sneezing

• watery eyes

• fatigue

• dizziness

• headaches

• upper respiratory congestion

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If you notice relief from your symptoms soon after leaving a particular room or building, your symptoms may be caused by indoor air contaminants.

Making sure that your building is well-ventilated and getting rid of pollutants can improve the quality of your indoor air. Below are some of the air cleaners we carry here at R&R Heating and Air.

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Contact us today to schedule a personalized home assessment and find out which air cleaner is best for your home or office.