Why indoor air quality is important

One of the most useful ways to improve the indoor air quality of a home is to replace the insulation. Spray foam is a popular form of insulation but if it is not installed properly or the mixture of chemicals is not at an accurate ratio, the curing process can be hindered exposing the area to a number of potential threats.

Some threats could be off-gassing problems or the release of toxins that will pollute the air and are unsafe to consume. With studies and technological advances throughout the years, the insulation industry is more knowledgeable about the effects of chemicals and has developed new standards for safety.

If the insulation in a home is old, it could contain elements of installation techniques or chemicals that are no longer at an acceptable standard. Having a professional contractor install new insulation can dramatically increase the indoor air quality in a home making it safer for occupants to live in and avoid the risk of health concerns.

The relationship between energy efficiency and insulation is another factor in improving indoor air quality. When a house is properly insulated it will decrease energy usage which will decrease the pollutants a house is producing. By using insulation like spray foam in the attic or roof, the risks of toxins, like mold, developing is avoided. A common issue some have with airtight insulation is the ability for indoor pollutants to be trapped in the house. Although this could be a cause for concern, when you get a home energy audit done with Ecotelligent Homes, we will be able to establish any ventilation needs to allow for maximum energy efficiency while maintaining high indoor air quality.

When making home improvements to better the indoor air quality, you should use products that are GreenGuard Gold Certified. To discuss a more comprehensive environmental assessment of your building or home call the credentialed professional indoor environmental consultants at Pure Air Control Services-Building Sciences team at , ext.

Today, the firm sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation. Looking to improve indoor air quality in your building? Contact our friendly team today to discuss options. Why indoor air quality is important to all of us? World Health Organization WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality, concluded that the most important effect is increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma, as well as perturbation of the immunological systems.

What are some types of indoor air pollutants that may affect my building? Biological contaminants: the biological contaminants can consist of bacteria, viruses, fungi mold , dust mite allergen, animal dander, insect bio detritus, fibers and fiberglass, pollen, cockroach allergen, etc… and may result from inadequate maintenance and housekeeping, water spills, inadequate humidity control, condensation, or may be brought into the building by occupants, infiltration, or ventilation air.

Allergic responses to indoor biological pollutant exposures cause symptoms in allergic individuals and also play a key role in triggering asthma episodes for an estimated 15 million Americans. Chemical pollutants: Volatile organic compounds VOCs are organic chemicals. For example people with heart disease may be more adversely affected by exposure to carbon monoxide than healthy individuals.

People exposed to significant levels of nitrogen dioxide are also at higher risk for respiratory infections. In addition, the developing bodies of children might be more susceptible to environmental exposures than those of adults. Children breathe more air, eat more food and drink more liquid in proportion to their body weight than adults. Therefore, air quality in schools is of particular concern. Proper maintenance of indoor air is more than a "quality" issue; it encompasses safety and stewardship of your investment in students, staff and facilities.

Skip to main content. Contact Us. Overview Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. In some cases, factors such as how old the source is and whether it is properly maintained are significant. For example, an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than one that is properly adjusted. Some sources, such as building materials, furnishings and products like air fresheners, can release pollutants more or less continuously.

Other sources, related to activities like smoking, cleaning, redecorating or doing hobbies release pollutants intermittently. Unvented or malfunctioning appliances or improperly used products can release higher and sometimes dangerous levels of pollutants indoors. Learn more about indoor air pollutants and sources of:. If too little outdoor air enters indoors, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and comfort problems. Unless buildings are built with special mechanical means of ventilation, those designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" in and out may have higher indoor pollutant levels.

Outdoor air can enter and leave a building by: infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation.

In a process known as infiltration, outdoor air flows into buildings through openings, joints, and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, and around windows and doors. In natural ventilation, air moves through opened windows and doors. Air movement associated with infiltration and natural ventilation is caused by air temperature differences between indoors and outdoors and by wind. Finally, there are a number of mechanical ventilation devices, from outdoor-vented fans that intermittently remove air from a single room, such as bathrooms and kitchen, to air handling systems that use fans and duct work to continuously remove indoor air and distribute filtered and conditioned outdoor air to strategic points throughout the house.

The rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air is described as the air exchange rate. When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical ventilation, the air exchange rate is low and pollutant levels can increase.

EPA defines environmental justice EJ as "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.