Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?
Was doing some perusing this morning and found some particularly interesting information about indoor air quality. Since it came from the American Lung Association I assumed it was credible. Anyway, I thought I’d post a small excerpt from the article just to give us some “food for thought.” It was particularly interesting to me that poor indoor air quality can affect your home structurally. More and more things I didn’t know that could possible really hurt me. Hope the information is, at the very least, thought provoking.
“Why does Indoor Air Quality matter?
The air quality of our indoor environments effects our health and often contributes to structural degradation and building failures within our homes.
Consider the Facts
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According to the American Lung Association of Minnesota, elements within our home and workplaces have been increasingly recognized as threats to our respiratory health. The most common pollutants are radon, combustion products, biologicals (molds, pet dander, pollen), volatile organic compounds, lead dust and asbestos.
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The Environmental Protection Agency lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental threat to our country.
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There are an estimated 40 million individuals in the United States who are affected by allergies. Learning how to control a homes environment to reduce allergen levels is important for managing allergies and asthma. Individuals who suffer from asthma, or have other respiratory illness may potentially be at a greater risk for health complications associated with poor air quality in their homes.
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The prevalence rate of pediatric asthma has increased from 40.1 to 69.1,—a 72.3 percent increase. Asthma is the sixth ranking chronic condition in our nation and the leading serious chronic illness of children in the U.S.
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In the house, poor indoor air quality can result in structural rot within the walls and attic and around window framing from excess moisture.
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Common pollutants can enter our houses through air leaks in the structure.
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Common housing problems or failures that occur in our homes include: musty odors and mold growth, window condensation, structural rot, peeling paint, back-drafting appliances, damp basements and ice dams, or build-up of ice on the roofs edge, and high utility costs.”-American Lung AssociationAs always, if we can help you improve your indoor air quality, please let us know.