Now that we must spend more time indoors, it is important to ensure good indoor air quality in the spaces we frequent. Many people think that just going inside can protect them from the outside world's pollutants, but studies have shown that our air can be worse indoors than outdoors. That's why it is essential to consider indoor air quality in your property, whether you are managing a building or just a home.
Poor Indoor Air Quality: How Does It Affect Health?
Indoor air pollution is linked to a number of health problems that may occur over time. Poor indoor air quality increases the likelihood of getting sick and can even lead to serious health problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that more than 90% of people in the world breathe air that is dirtier than outdoor air.
In fact, indoor air quality is often 2-5x worse than outdoor air quality. Poor air quality can cause health problems in the following ways:
1. Allergies
2. Cancer
3. Cardiovascular disease
4. Respiratory illnesses
5. Infant mortality
6. Asthma
Even the most carefully "green" homes are not immune to indoor air quality issues. The effects of indoor air pollutants can be so severe that they outweigh the benefits of a "green" home. According to the U.N., indoor air pollutants can have a similar impact on health as smoking.
Factors that might affect indoor air quality
The following factors can affect the indoor air quality in homes, schools, and workplaces:
1. The design of the building and its structure;
2. The construction materials used;
3. The building's location and surroundings;
4. The use of chemicals and harmful products;
5. The level of natural lighting; and
6. The building's ventilation system.
Indoor air quality issues are growing at a rapid pace. Experts have called indoor air pollution a "slowly emerging silent epidemic." As the world adjusts to more severe droughts, floods, and storms, we need to be proactive in ensuring that the indoor air quality in our homes and workplaces is healthy and sustainable.
Solutions to improve indoor air quality
1. Proper ventilation
2. Avoiding the use of toxic chemicals
3. Using natural materials in decorating
4. Using air filters
Indoor air pollution is a growing problem, but the solutions are not difficult to enact. It's important to take steps to improve the quality of the air you breathe indoors.
Why a home's structure matters
Creating a healthy indoor environment is about more than just ventilation. Homes with poor indoor air quality may have a variety of different issues that make it more difficult to clean and maintain good indoor air quality.
Some of these issues include a lack of natural light, a lack of ample ventilation, or a lack of efficient insulation. Homes can also be impacted by mould, asbestos, or dust mites.
Indoor air quality is a concern for homeowners and an important consideration for house buyers. Even homes that are "green" and have a variety of environmental amenities can still have poor air quality because of their design.
Conclusion
Poor indoor air quality may have harmful effects on our health. The solution is to pay attention to indoor air quality and do what we can to improve it. Working with a skilled contractor to improve the air quality in your home can go a long way.
Contact Ackard Contractors and see a difference in your home's ventilation and indoor air quality! As one of the premier contractors in Edmonton, our experience, skilled craftsmen and talented designers ensure a smooth transition from old to new.
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