The EPA classifies indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental health risks affecting the health and performance of occupants today. That is not a surprise given the fact that humans spend on average 90% of their time indoors. The EPA also says that pollutant levels may run two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Sometimes even has high as 100 times higher. That is scary!
Indoor air quality Issues:
- Inadequate water management which can lead to mold.
- Combustion appliances not properly vented, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and other issues (combustion appliances are typically a gas furnace, gas water heater and a gas oven).
- Combustion appliances not functioning properly can also lead increased carbon monoxide levels.
- Inadequate ventilation – Today, homes are being built tighter for increased efficiency, but most of the time they are not being properly ventilated. Tighter homes are great, but if they are not properly ventilated they can lead to dangerous indoor air quality. Homes without planned mechanical ventilation lead to air leaking into the home from a possible undesirable location like the garage. Mechanical ventilation systems allow for constant flow of fresh outside air into the home. These systems can also provide filtration, dehumidification or humidification of the air coming inside the home.
- Wall to wall carpet or any carpet harbors all kinds of harmful things even if it is regularly cleaned.
- VOC’s (vol-ital organic compounds) are found in most paints and stains. Low VOC finishes are becoming much more available.
- Pest infestation can also decrease the quality of your indoor air.
Do you suffer from ALLERGIES or ASTHMA?
Did you know that the problems listed above in many cases cause these two medical issues. For individuals already suffering from these issues can increase the problem by the above situations. Many of these indoor air quality issues are simple fixes and do not require much cost compared to the damage you are doing to your body.
Proudly serving the Greater Grand Rapids and Holland area in Michigan, which include but not limited to Kent, Ottawa, Allegan & Muskegon Counties.
