Indoor Air Pollution Has Become A Growing Health Concern

Indoor Air Pollution Has
Become A

A G
r
G owi
w ng
n H
e
H alth
t
h
Concern

---

According to Global Health Risks, "Mortality and burden of
disease attributable to selected major risks indoor air
pollution is responsible for 2.7% of the global burden of
disease." B
o
B th health exp
x erts and consume
m rs have
v now
w
become increasingly concerned about the increase in air
pollution indoors and its impact on human health.

---

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and
around buildings and structures. Exposure to indoor air
pollution is determined by the concentrations of pollutants
in the indoor environment and the amount of time that is
spent in the indoor environment that has poor quality air.
Tiny
y airborne contami
m nants wi
w th a diame
m ter of 10 mi
m crons
or less can penetrate deep in the lungs when inhaled and
have harmful effects on human health. Women and
children that spend a lot of time in the home are
particularly at high risk of exposure to harmful airborne
particles.

---

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is another health
hazard. ET is the mixture of smoke that comes from the
burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe as well as smoke
exhaled by the smoker. The smoke produced is a blend of
over 4,000 compounds with more than 40 of the
compounds identified as a cause of cancer in humans or
anima
m ls. I
nfants and yo
y ung children exp
x osed to
secondhand smoke are at increased risk of lower
respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and
pneumonia, and they are more likely to have symptoms of
respiratory irritation such as excess phlegm, chronic
coughing, and wheezing.

---

Poor indoor air quality can contribute to the development
of a number of health problems. Chronic respiratory
illnesses such as lung disease, asthma, and bronchitis
can be worsened for those afflicted with such health
conditions. People can also develop such conditions when
constantly exposed to poor quality indoor air. There can
also be biological contaminants in the home contributing
to p
oor quality
y indoor air such a
s mo
m uld, mi
m ldew,
w and
bacteria resulting from a moist environment. People living
in buildings with mould are more likely to suffer from
symptoms like wheezing, runny eyes and nose, coughing,
chest congestion, chronic coughing, and other allergic
reactions. Exposure to mould can also trigger asthma
symptoms. Molds and mildews release disease-causing
toxins.

---

There are a number of other symptoms indicating
exposure to poor quality indoor air which include:
headaches, dizziness, migraines, nasal congestion,
nausea, digestive problems, insomnia, irritability, dry and
pale skin, and lethargy. As well, some types of infectious
illnesses such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are
transmitted through the air. In recent years, there has
been a growing body of research compiled that is
demo
m nstrating that the air wi
w thin home
m s and other
buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air and
other research has found that people now spend about 90
percent of their time indoors. As a result, the risk of
disease and illness is now much higher for those
constantly exposed to air pollution indoors. For this
reason, health organizations and government agencies
are offering guides and manuals on improving the quality
of air within homes and buildings.

---

Today, consumers can find a wealth of information online
about the various ways they can reduce or eliminate
indoor air pollution. Solutions to improving indoor air
quality can range from something simple like using
chemical free cleaners, making the home smoke free,
putting a humidifier in the basement, changing air filters
frequently, and making sure there is adequate ventilation
throughout the home. Or, people can be more proactive
by getting their indoor air tested for contaminants, hiring
professional duct cleaners to give their air ducts a
thorough cleaning, r
eplacing all household and personal
care products containing chemicals with more natural
products, and taking steps to remove common sources of
pollution, or reduce their emissions. This can include
removing furnishings containing harmful chemicals such
as furniture made of certain pressed wood, removing old
and damp carpets, getting the fireplace thoroughly
cleaned, and more. When taking both small and big steps
to improve the quality of indoor air, you and your family
will definitely see an improvement in your health and well
being.

---

Duct Cleaning company Laird and Son in Toronto. Visit
Laird a
nd So
S n He
H ating &
& Air Co
C nditioning 20 Ca
C rdinal
Place, Toronto, ON M4N 2S1 (416) 421-2121

---