Most people check the daily air quality outdoors to ensure they can safely engage in their planned activities. But the indoor air quality (IAQ) is equally important. Here’s how to know if the air in your house is causing health problems.
Warning Signs of Poor IAQ
Many times, poor IAQ causes symptoms similar to those of illnesses. If you consistently notice any of the following, you might want to check your IAQ:
- Frequent dizziness
- Recurring headaches
- Fatigue
- Dry, itchy skin
- Frequent nosebleeds
If the symptoms abate or disappear when you leave home, then you might have poor IAQ, especially if you occasionally or frequently notice a bad odor in your living space. If you have allergies, and they seem to be worsening, it may be due to poor IAQ.
If you notice mold growth, condensation, or an accumulation of dust, then your IAQ may need improvement. Those at increased risk — such as children, elders, and those who are pregnant or have existing health conditions — may experience increased symptoms.
What Causes Poor Indoor Air?
Indoor air quality can be adversely affected by many factors, which vary by location. Those in urban areas are more likely to have IAQ that’s affected by vehicle emissions and manufacturing by-products. Those in coastal areas are more likely to have high humidity, and those in rural areas may be affected by pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), open burning of crop residue, and so forth.
Modern homes are designed to be air-tight, so airflow can be restricted. And if the outdoor air quality is poor, you wouldn’t want to let it in anyway.
Long-Term Health Issues From Breathing Bad Indoor Air
Short-term health issues, such as fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, nausea, and dizziness, are bad enough. But high levels of some contaminants, such as carbon monoxide, can cause serious illness or death. If you think you have poor IAQ, then you need to improve it without delay.
We’re Here to Help With Poor IAQ
If you live in Utah, you know that humidity and heat can sometimes adversely affect your energy level and your outdoor activities. If you have poor IAQ, the effects are even worse. Contact us at Alta Air in North Salt Lake, UT to ensure that your indoor air quality is the best it can be! We’ve served the local community for more than 50 years and are proud of our record for customer service. You may need filters changed in your HVAC or house filtration system.