Absolutely. Exposure to air pollutants can be nearly 100 times worse in a building than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that many people spend 90% of their time indoors, making it essential for homeowners to be aware of indoor air quality (IAQ) in North America.
Many common household things cause inferior indoor air quality, including:
- Chemicals in parts of carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
- Cleaning chemicals
- Paint
- Personal care cosmetics
The secure construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Enhancements like weather stripping and storm doors are created to decrease utility bills. However, they also stop adequate ventilation by keeping inside air in and exterior air out. The outcome could be a buildup of fumes within your residence.
Poor IAQ can be a direct or indirect cause of some health issues. Medical experts have found that nearly half of all illnesses are tied or irritated by indoor air pollution.
Chemicals within your home can bring on flu-like symptoms including headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation. It can also aggravate allergies and asthma.
Adequate ventilation also is an important factor in enhancing indoor air quality, as it reduces the level of indoor pollutants.