Why indoor air quality is important

Indoor air pollution doesn’t look as sinister as outdoor pollution. There’s no smog or cloud hanging over your living room but that doesn’t mean that the air inside your home is clean. In fact, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. That’s why you need to consider the importance of indoor air quality and how it can affect healthy living.

Air pollution in the home results from a number of factors. In a sealed building or a home with poor ventilation, fresh air isn’t able to circulate and be replaced. This means that any existing pollutants in the air build up over time. Many everyday household products such as cleaning products and deodorants contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These microscopic particles can enter the bloodstream once inhaled and cause serious health problems, particularly for children and the elderly.

When your indoor air quality is at good levels, your home and family benefit from it.

Breathe better

With lower pollutants in the air, the concentration of oxygen is much higher. This means you’ll find it much easier to breathe and so there’s less strain on your heart, lungs and body. Not only will you feel more alert and energetic, your chances of developing or suffering from a respiratory illness such as asthma are much lower.

Prevent Mould

Moisture and condensation control that comes with properly ventilated air helps inhibit the growth of mould and bacteria. Excessive moisture can lead to structural damage to your home and once it gets to mould, your family is at risk of serious health issues.

Eliminate Pests

Cockroaches need little more than a warm area to live but they thrive in areas with high moisture and enjoy eating damp, mouldy materials. They can trigger both allergies and asthma so by reducing moisture, you also make your home less inhabitable to these critters.

Increase productivity

A recent study by Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Health and the Global Environment, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and Syracuse University has shown that air quality has an overall effect on cognitive function and mood. Essentially, those exposed to VOCs during the day scored half as well on cognitive tests compared to those exposed to clean air. This shows just how powerful the link between indoor air quality and concentration.

When it comes to indoor air quality, don’t just address the symptoms, address the problem head on. Attack the problem areas first with exhaust fans for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Our ventilation specialists can evaluate your home or office and recommend a ventilation solution to meet your specific needs. Get in touch today to speak to our team!