Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Let’s cover a few different topics.
What exactly do we mean when we mention “Indoor Air Quality”
Why is it important to monitor or make conscious efforts to improve our air quality?
How does Silver Valley Mold help our clients with their IAQ
Some studies claim that the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. I am not sure I believe that entirely, especially with the amount of beautiful outdoors we are surrounded by. Regardless, the air we breathe is constantly being polluted and often from sources we have never even thought about. The EPA defines Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as: “The air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.”
IAQ covers such a broad number of pollutants, to name a few…
Fuel burning combustion appliances
Cooking oils
Tobacco Products
Deteriorated asbestos
Flooring, upholstery, cabinetry or furniture
Household cleaning/maintenance products, personal care or different hobbies
Radon
Pesticides
Outdoor air pollution, both environmental and industrial
As we wade through the hundreds of pollutants, the health risks can come in the form of immediate effects or long-term effects. In the case of a non-sensitized individual immediate effects can typically be treated by removing yourself from the source of pollutants or vice-versa. Long-term effects can be more subtle, with symptoms or adverse health effects not materializing until years later. Now, why do we test? By knowing what pollutants are in the air and why, we can create a treatment plan.
Depending on the pollutant we find, remediation/treatment can look very different. We are here to help with consultations and recommendations post testing on how to improve based on laboratory findings. Here are some example strategies we may recommend to our clients.
Ventilation: By increasing the amount of times indoor air is replaced by fresh air we reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants
Air Filters: High quality air filters inside your home work to filter out contaminates.
Lifestyle changes: Typically not major, but being aware that your hair spray is contaminating your house and choosing a new brand or different location to apply might make a drastic impact. Finding new areas to store off-gassing material that does not affect your indoor air or maybe just doing certain hobbies outside rather than inside could improve your family’s health.
Mold Remediation: We have other bulletins discussing mold remediation which we urge you to check out if mold is suspected.
In summary, indoor air quality is absolutely something we should be conscious of for the short and long term health of ourselves, our families, friends and our co-workers. Silver Valley Mold is here to help you identify any potential risks and guide you through the treatment process.