Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

by Jasen Arndt | Dec 18, 2024 | Winter Preparedness | 0 comments

Indoor air quality is crucial to our health and well-being, yet it’s often overlooked. We spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, and the air we breathe can have a significant impact on both short- and long-term health. Studies show that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, largely due to the accumulation of common household pollutants. The good news is that understanding and improving indoor air quality can lead to better health, comfort, and even productivity.

Indoor air can contain a variety of harmful pollutants. Here are some of the most common:

• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Fine particles from dust, smoke, and outdoor pollution can penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory issues.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from paints, cleaning products, and building materials, VOCs can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory systems.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Excess CO2 levels, often from poor ventilation, can lead to fatigue, headaches, and reduced concentration.
• Radon: A naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes from the ground, radon is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Much of the Rochester, New York region has elevated levels of radon due to high amounts of granite bedrock.
• Mold Spores: Mold growth in damp areas can release spores that trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas from gas appliances or heating systems, CO can be lethal in high concentrations.

Poor indoor air quality can have immediate and long-lasting health effects. In the short term, exposure to pollutants like VOCs and particulate matter can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, and lungs. Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, headaches, and fatigue. Long-term exposure can contribute to more serious conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, and even lung cancer.

According to the American Lung Association, people with preexisting respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. A study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 4.3 million premature deaths worldwide are caused by indoor air pollution. (source)

Sometimes, the effects of poor air quality are subtle or hard to detect. However, there are several signs that may indicate you need to pay closer attention to the air inside your home.

Unexplained Health Symptoms

If you or your family members have been experiencing unexplained health symptoms, it might be a sign that the air quality in your home is poor. Common health symptoms associated with indoor air pollution include:

• Frequent headaches
• Eye irritation or dry eyes
• Coughing, sneezing, or congestion
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms

If these symptoms are persistent or worsen indoors but improve when you leave, it could be an indicator that the air quality is to blame.  This past season we had a client that shared for the past three years she was having headaches after she turned on her furnace for the season.  Upon inspection we found a hole in her furnace that was slowly releasing carbon monoxide into her home.  If you’re experiencing these symptoms, please let us do a thorough inspection of your furnace.  Your family’s safety is a top priority for our team. (source)

In addition to health symptoms, there are physical indicators that your indoor air quality may need attention. Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive dust buildup – This can be a sign of poor ventilation or excessive particulate matter in the air.
• High humidity (>50%) – Excess moisture encourages mold growth, which can exacerbate respiratory issues.
• Damp or musty smells – Indicates possible mold or mildew growth.
• Condensation on windows – Can indicate high indoor humidity levels, creating a breeding ground for mold.
• Persistent odors – Unpleasant smells from cooking, pets, or cleaning products can contribute to VOCs and overall poor air quality.

Testing your indoor air quality can help identify potential problems and guide you toward effective solutions. There are various methods you can use to test air quality, ranging from simple DIY approaches to professional services.

For the most accurate readings we do encourage that you let us use our professional air quality testing to provide you with the most accurate results. There are some DIY methods you can try at home to identify common indoor air pollutants. (Source)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Testing: Purchase a quality battery-operated CO detector from a hardware store to monitor CO levels.
• Humidity Monitoring: Use a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 30-50% to prevent mold growth and respiratory irritation.
• Visible Mold Check: Inspect areas prone to moisture (bathrooms, basements) for signs of mold or mildew.
• Dust Accumulation: Increased dust levels may indicate insufficient ventilation or air filtration.

Air quality monitors are a more advanced, yet affordable, way to track indoor air pollution. These devices measure pollutants like PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, and humidity, giving you real-time data.

When choosing a monitor, consider these factors:

• Key metrics to track: PM2.5, VOCs, CO2 levels, and humidity are the most important.
• Ease of use: Look for a device with a simple display and clear readings.
• Budget: Prices range from $50 to $300, depending on features and accuracy.

Some recommended models include:

• IQAir AirVisual Pro: Offers high precision in measuring particulate matter, CO2, and VOCs.
• Awair Element: Measures CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, and humidity with an easy-to-understand app.
• Eve Room 2: Focuses on VOCs and humidity, ideal for smaller spaces.

If you’re dealing with a serious air quality issue or can’t pinpoint the problem with DIY methods, professional air quality testing may be the best option. A qualified technician will conduct a thorough inspection and identify harmful pollutants.  For the client we talked about earlier the home CO2 monitor was picking up the small Carbon Monoxide levels, but our professional equipment was able to identify that there was an issue that needed to be addressed.

• Air sampling: Measuring pollutants like radon, VOCs, and particulate matter.
• HVAC inspection: Checking ventilation systems and air ducts for issues.
• Mold testing: Sampling for airborne mold spores.

Once you’ve tested your indoor air quality, you’ll want to make improvements based on the results. Here are some practical steps you can take.

Proper ventilation is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Consider these techniques:

• Open windows when weather permits to allow fresh air to circulate.
• Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to expel humidity, smoke, and cooking fumes.
• Install an air exchanger or heat recovery ventilator (HRV) if your home lacks adequate ventilation.

You don’t need to break the bank to improve indoor air quality. Here are some affordable solutions:

• Houseplants: Plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are known to help filter out certain toxins, such as formaldehyde and benzene.
• Regular cleaning: Dust and vacuum frequently using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to reduce particulate matter.
• Air purifiers: Consider an affordable air purifier for small rooms, particularly those with HEPA and activated carbon filters for improved particulate and VOC removal.
• Baking soda: Use baking soda to neutralize odors in the home.

The frequency of air quality testing depends on your environment. Generally, testing once a year is sufficient for homes in relatively clean areas. However, if you have respiratory issues or if you’ve recently renovated or moved into a new home, more frequent testing (every 3-6 months) may be necessary.  We encourage you to please let us inspect your furnace each year before you turn it on for the season.  We can also take a look at all of your HVAC equipment to ensure your safety and ensure they are operating as they should.

Conclusion

Indoor air quality plays a significant role in your health and comfort. By understanding the pollutants in your home and regularly testing the air, you can take actionable steps to reduce health risks and improve your living environment. Start with simple methods like monitoring humidity, using air quality monitors, and improving ventilation. The benefits of cleaner air are well worth the effort—your health, productivity, and overall well-being depend on it.  In the colder months when the windows are sealed tight and the doors are all closed the air quality in your home can be impacted.  For your safety, let us inspect your home to ensure the air quality in your home is the best that it can be.  Your family’s safety is at the top of our priority list.