Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?

Absolutely. Exposure to air pollutants can be nearly 100 times worse inside than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time in a building, making it important for homeowners to be knowledgeable about indoor air quality (IAQ) in Clearwater.

Many standard household products cause inferior indoor air quality, including:

• Chemicals used in carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
• Cleaning sprays
• Paint
• Personal care cosmetics

The snug construction of new houses also contributes significantly to inferior IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are created to save on heating and cooling costs. However, they also stop proper ventilation by keeping inside air in and outdoor air out. The consequence could be an accumulation of contaminants inside your home.

Inferior IAQ can be a direct or indirect source of some health problems. Medical groups report that up to half of all illnesses are caused or worsened by indoor air pollution.

Pollutants in your residence can result in flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory sensitivity. It can also trigger allergies and asthma.

Enough ventilation also plays an important role in enhancing indoor air quality, as it reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants.