Every day, we spend most of our waking hours indoors be it at home, the school, or workplace. Indoor air quality is often affected by the air quality in the surrounding areas.  Many things can contaminate indoor air quality including pollen, tobacco smoke, household products, and building materials. Any one of these contaminants may pose a risk to the occupants’ short term and long-term health. Here are some of the health disorders that can be caused by poor indoor air quality.

Eye Disease

The air in your home may contain pollutants and harmful microorganisms that could cause an eye disorder, ranging from a simple irritation to an unpleasant infection. Symptoms of irritation can get better once the allergen is removed. However, an infection indicates the presence of bacteria and virus inside your house. In this case, you cannot simply remove the cause or remove yourself from the environment. Proper treatment steps must be taken, such as antibiotic or antiviral drops.

Respiratory Disorder

Cold, damp air is also an indication of poor indoor air quality. People who live under these circumstances are prone to catch cold and flu, and can eventually develop asthma. Coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest are the usual symptoms. Prolonged exposure to these conditions combined with a bacterial infection can also cause pneumonia. The symptoms include phlegm, fever, and chest pain that could appear within 24 to 48 hours.

Cancer

The presence of building materials residue may not cause immediate symptoms, but over the years it could induce the formation of cancer cells in your body. Mesothelioma is a type of aggressive cancer that is often associated with the inhalation of dangerous particles in the home or office. It can take 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to manifest  symptoms, and by that time it is most likely already too late. The survival rate for this type of cancer is low, and there is no cure for the disease.

How can you be sure of the content of the air you breathe inside your house? The answer is by doing an indoor air quality testing. This test will detect if any pollutants and harmful substances exist in your living space. Subsequently, proper steps can be taken to eliminate those pollutants from your home. Good ventilation and building care are one of the key elements to keep your home safe from harmful substances. You cannot ignore possible threats to your health. Have your indoor air quality tested today.

Sources
Indoor Air Quality, EPA.gov
Indoor Air Quality, OSHA.gov