Effects of Indoor Air Quality on Your Health

Indoor air quality, or what your air is like inside compared to outside, can become unhealthy and cause many health problems including infections, lung diseases, and asthma. However, those only occur in rare situations and there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality.

Poor indoor air quality is often caused by inadequate or unmaintained heating and ventilation systems. It can also be caused by materials such as glues, fiberglass, paints, or chemicals in the air.

Tobacco smoke, perfume, and occupant body odors can also contaminate air quality. Sometimes mold, fungi, bacteria, gas, or other pollutants can cause poor indoor quality as well. Finally, if not enough outdoor air is circulated inside it can lead to indoor air quality problems.

Short-term effects of poor indoor air quality on your health include:

Often, these symptoms may appear similar to a cold, or other common diseases so it can be difficult to determine if indoor air quality is the cause.

Long-term effects of poor indoor air quality on your health include:

Some of these effects may take years to appear and can be very serious or even fatal. That’s why you should also try to improve the air quality in your home, even if you do not notice symptoms at first.

Poor indoor air quality can cause negative health effects even after short term exposure. Typically, however, after one visit any negative health effects are not severe and reversible.

Persons with asthma or underlying diseases may suffer worse effects from poor indoor air quality because it can aggravate or worsen their condition.

However, some people may not notice any sensitivities or health issues upon first exposure, and it can take several weeks, months, or years to notice sensitivities.

However, if you notice symptoms after a few hours, you should get a professional to investigate your indoor air quality.

If you have been exposed to poor indoor air quality, do not re-expose yourself. Simply leaving the building may help alleviate symptoms.

You can also work to find the source of the pollutant, work to improve your building ventilation, or use a whole-home air cleaner.

If this does not help, keep track of when you get your symptoms, what they are, and when they go away. You should also seek help from a medical professional to determine if there are other underlying health problems.

The effects of indoor air quality on your health can be long-lasting. If you suspect you have poor air quality in your home or workplace, you should contact a professional immediately. Additionally, continue to learn more about indoor air quality. The American Lung Association provides more information on indoor air pollutants, how to improve ventilation, and even tips for construction and remodeling.