Breathing quality indoor air is critical for good health (Environmental Protection Agency, 2017). Most people spend a significant amount of time indoors either in their home, office or other buildings. Poor indoor air quality is caused by a build-up of mould, gases, chemicals and other pollutants. Serious pollutants can cause death, certain types of cancers and other long-term health complications (The Ultimate Air News, 2011). In this article symptoms of poor indoor air quality and signs of poor indoor air quality in your space will be discussed.
Here are some symptoms of poor indoor air quality on the body:
· Headaches
· Fatigue and Weakness
· Memory Problems, focusing issues
· Light Sensitivity
· Itchy & Red Eyes
· Respiratory Symptoms such as:
Sinus congestion
Coughing and sneezing
Shortness of Breath
Asthma-like signs
Runny Nose
Itchy Throat
· Vertigo/ Dizziness
· Muscle Cramps, constant nerve pain, pain in the joints, aches not caused by inflammatory arthritis
· Numbness and tingling sensations
· Abdominal pain, diarrhea, appetite changes, nausea
· Night Sweats or temperature regulation issues
· Metallic Taste
· Dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin
· Hypersensitivity and allergies
It is common for people to notice their symptoms after several hours of being in the office at work and feel better after they have left the building or when they have been away from the building for a few days. Many of these symptoms are not necessarily due to poor IAQ but may also be caused by other health conditions including common colds or the flu but an indoor air quality assessment will be able to determine the cause of the symptoms (Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, 2013).
Here are some signs of poor indoor air quality:
· Moisture condensation on windows and/or walls
· Moldy and Musty Odor (To detect odors in your home, step outside for a few minutes, and then upon reentering your home, note whether odors are noticeable.)
· Visible signs of mold
· Aforementioned Symptoms
· Frequent Illness of Staff or Family
· Current/Past Water Problems (Leaks, Flooding, etc.)
· Dirty central heating and air cooling equipment
Most times poor indoor air quality is caused by poor ventilation and water problems (Environmental Protection Agency, 2017).
Published by: Taheim Herman
For FREE Indoor Air Quality Consultation in your business, call H&L Environmental Services Ltd TODAY!!! 1-758-452-0594 or email info@hnles.com.
Works Cited
Environmental Protection Agency. (2017, December 1). Identifying Problems in the Indoor Environments. Retrieved August 27, 2018, from Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/identifying-problems-indoor-environments
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. (2013). Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace. Retrieved August 27, 2018, from Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit: https://hnhu.org/health-topic/indoor-air-quality-in-the-workplace/
Tassenbacher, M. B. (2017, November 15). Myths and facts about mold. Myths and facts about mold. Mag. Brigitte Tassenbacher. Retrieved from https://www.bauforum.at/gebaeude-installation/mythen-und-fakten-zum-thema-schimmel-156264
The Ultimate Air News. (2011, March 21). Why indoor air quality is so important. Retrieved August 27, 2018, from Ultimate Air: http://www.ultimateair.com/blog/bid/47758/Why-indoor-air-quality-is-so-important
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