Indoor

Indoor air quality (often abbreviated as 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

Exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to immediate health effects, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and itchy eyes, nose, and throat. Asthma can be triggered by exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and molds. Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral diseases, so it is often difficult to determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor air pollution.

Long-term effects can include respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, and can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Tobacco smoke
• Gases (such as radon and carbon monoxide)
• Household products and chemicals
• Building materials and furnishings
• Outdoor sources (such as pesticides, outdoor air pollution)
• Biological sources (such as pet dander, insects, and pollen)

Improving Indoor Air Quality

There are several methods to improve indoor air quality:

• Source Control: Eliminate or control the sources of pollution.
• Ventilation Improvements: Increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors.
• Air Cleaners: Use devices to remove pollutants from indoor air.

See Also

• Air pollution
• Asthma
• Radon
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Indoor Resources
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