Why is Indoor Air Quality So Important?
The impact of air pollution on human health shouldn’t be ignored. While staying inside during winter is a safe bet in minimising the likelihood of another cold or flu round, external environments aren’t the only risks to consider. Indoor air quality can severely impact anything from your lungs to your eyes, opening your body up to unexpected issues. We spend a lot of our lives indoors – at home, in the office, out and about shopping, even buses and trains are air-conditioned – so understanding the effects poor indoor air quality can have on your wellbeing is critical. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Relevant indoor air quality statistics report that Australian homes have higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The quality of the air we breathe is negatively affected by indoor air pollutants we’re not even aware of, some of which include:
- Combustion pollutants – carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that come from burning materials like gas stoves, wood stoves, space heaters, water heaters, fireplaces and dryers
- Dust
- Mould
- Chemical components from cleaning products
- Lead paint and other preservatives in furniture
- Secondhand smoke
- Odours from personal care products we use
- Radon – seeps through cracks and into the inside of the home. This is a dangerous gas known as the second leading cause of lung cancer
Poor indoor air quality is known to cause health problems like allergic reactions, asthma, frequent headaches, nausea, as well as eyes, nose and throat irritation. In severe cases, polluted indoor air may also cause damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system, as well as increase the risk of cancer.
How to Measure Indoor Air Quality
You can perform simple home tests using integrated VOC and formaldehyde sensors; carbon dioxide metres, to track the CO2 levels within the home, and radon detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for commercial buildings
Most tests are performed by professional indoor air quality laboratories that are equipped with facilities and power tools that detect a wide range of air pollutants.
How to Test Indoor Air Quality
Although it may be tempting to DIY, reaching out to a professional indoor air quality testing business will ensure the accuracy of the recorded results. Testing methods differ according to the suspected substances or substances.
Air quality tests include:
- General indoor air quality testing
- VOC and formaldehyde test kit
- Mould inspection and testing
- Dust and particle sampling
How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality
Here are different ways you can reduce indoor air pollution and make sure you are breathing better.
- Airconditioner: Airconditioners regularly circulate and refresh indoor air, maintaining an ideal temperature and controlling humidity levels. Air conditioner filters do a lot by helping remove impurities and pollen in the air, provided they are cleaned and changed regularly.
- Ventilation: Open your house! Promote airflow through home and encourage indoor air to circulate through open windows and doors.
- Air purifiers: The market is bursting with air cleaners and purifiers, ranging from sophisticated whole-house systems to cost-efficient table-top models. Air purifiers aren’t designed to eliminate gas pollutants, but effectively remove particles and indoor allergens. Running a dehumidifier in your bathroom and laundry can also help prevent the growth of mould.
- Source control. You’ve identified the culprits; the next step is to eliminate individual sources of indoor air pollution and reduce their influence. For instance, how efficient is your gas stove? It’s time to get it checked.
Conclusion
Are you worried about air quality in your home, commercial environment or office building? Address your concerns now before they escalate into real health issues by choosing a quality air conditioning system built to improve indoor air quality. Get in touch with New Age Air Conditioning today to discuss your air conditioning needs.