How Indoor Air Pollution Affects Your Health

For all these years, we have known that Indoor Air Quality affects your health and well-being in indoor spaces and surfaces. The importance of this topic has been heightened due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and it served as a wake-up call.

Aside from using air purification systems, we also need to prioritize air quality flowing through and around these devices. At Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) we provide education and awareness about airborne contaminants, their health effects, and how they spread.

Playing with puppy. Kids looking excited while playing with the puppy
Digital composite image of family on bed together with house outline

What is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures. It focuses on the health and comfort of the occupants, and understanding and controlling common air pollutants can help reduce the risk of health concerns.

Indoor air pollutants can also cause adverse health changes soon after exposure. Some effects may also only appear after months or years. We make several changes in our indoor spaces that will be hard to track down and identify the source of air pollutants.

Sources of Air Pollutants

  • Transmitted Viruses From People and Animals
  • Carried Bacteria From People, Animals, Soil, and Plant Debris
  • Saliva and Animal Dander From Household Pets
  • Fuel-Burning Combustion Appliances
  • Tobacco Products
  • Newly-Installed Flooring, Upholstery, or Carpet
  • Certain Pressed-Wood Cabinetry or Furniture
  • Household Cleaning and Maintenance Products
  • Products Used for Personal Care and Hobbies
  • Central Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Humidification Devices
  • Excess Moistures
  • Outdoor Sources (Radon, Pesticides, Outdoor Air Pollution, and More)

Sources of Air Pollutants

  • Transmitted Viruses From People and Animals
  • Carried Bacteria From People, Animals, Soil, and Plant Debris
  • Saliva and Animal Dander From Household Pets
  • Fuel-Burning Combustion Appliances
  • Tobacco Products
  • Newly-Installed Flooring, Upholstery, or Carpet
  • Certain Pressed-Wood Cabinetry or Furniture
  • Household Cleaning and Maintenance Products
  • Products Used for Personal Care and Hobbies
  • Central Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Humidification Devices
  • Excess Moistures
  • Outdoor Sources (Radon, Pesticides, Outdoor Air Pollution, and More)

Immediate Effects of Indoor Air Pollution

  • Eyes, Nose, and Throat Irritation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

These effects may appear shortly after a single or repeated exposure to a pollutant. They are also short-term and can be treated by eliminating the pollution source if identified.

ImmediateImg.jpeg_1682616569

Health Effects From Biological Contaminants

Allergic reactions may occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. Sometimes, people who have noticed only mild or no reactions may suddenly find themselves sensitive to particular allergens.

Infectious diseases like influenza, measles, chicken pox, and disease-causing toxins like molds and mildews are transmitted through the air and cause allergic reactions.
Symptoms and allergic reactions caused by biological pollutants may include:

  • Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Asthma or Shortness of Breath
  • Sneezing
  • Watery Eyes
  • Coughing
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Digestive Problems

Health Effects From Biological Contaminants

Allergic reactions may occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. Sometimes, people who have noticed only mild or no reactions may suddenly find themselves sensitive to particular allergens.

Infectious diseases like influenza, measles, chicken pox, and disease-causing toxins like molds and mildews are transmitted through the air and cause allergic reactions.
Symptoms and allergic reactions caused by biological pollutants may include:

  • Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Asthma or Shortness of Breath
  • Sneezing
  • Watery Eyes
  • Coughing
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Digestive Problems

Contaminants From Humidifiers, Heating, and Cooling Systems

Some diseases, such as humidifier fever, are associated with toxins that live in the moist environment of a humidifier, heating, and cooling systems. Biological contaminants, including molds and pollens, can cause allergic reactions.

These toxins are microorganisms, including amoebas, bacteria, and fungi. Tuberculosis, measles, staphylococcus infections, Legionella, and influenza are also known to be transmitted by air and can cause breathing problems and allergies to all ages.

ContaminentsImg.jpeg_1682616871
Copper saucepan over low heat on stove to make sauce.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Problems

Indoor pollution can be caused by gases or particles released into the air. The concentrations of indoor air pollutants can increase by not having adequate ventilation. It is vital to at least open your windows or let some outdoor air in to dilute the indoor air.

High temperature and humidity levels can also increase these concentrations. These contaminants may come from building materials, furnishings, and other products. These products are commonly used for smoking, hobbies, and redecorating.

How Pollutants Affect Your Indoor Air Quality

Pollutants can remain in the air for long periods after some activities, and these concentrations can increase without proper ventilation. They can also travel through droplets and live up to two hours on surfaces, doubling the concentration every 20 minutes.

Bacteria and viruses like E. coli, salmonella, and others may live on surfaces. Other bacteria may include:

  • Clostridioides difficile, a germ that causes life-threatening diarrhea;
  • Aspergillus, a mold that causes aspergillosis, and can be harmful to those with a weakened immune system;
  • and Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be found in medical devices in healthcare settings.

How Pollutants Affect Your Indoor Air Quality

Pollutants can remain in the air for long periods after some activities, and these concentrations can increase without proper ventilation. They can also travel through droplets and live up to two hours on surfaces, doubling the concentration every 20 minutes.

Bacteria and viruses like E. coli, salmonella, and others may live on surfaces. Other bacteria may include:

  • Clostridioides difficile, a germ that causes life-threatening diarrhea;
  • Aspergillus, a mold that causes aspergillosis, and can be harmful to those with a weakened immune system;
  • and Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be found in medical devices in healthcare settings.
Female student getting bright inspiration in the class

Learn More About Indoor Air Pollution

Learning all about indoor air quality and pollution can be challenging and time-consuming. At IAP, we have the experience and knowledge for proper indoor air quality education. You may contact our consultants to get more information.

Schedule a Consult

Sources: