Absolutely. Air pollution concentration can be as much as 100 times greater inside than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that the majority of people spend 90% of their time inside, making it crucial for homeowners to be aware of indoor air quality (IAQ) in Edmonton.
Many common household items create bad indoor air quality, like:
- Chemicals used in carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
- Cleaning products
- Paint
- Personal care cosmetics
The secure construction of today's homes also contributes greatly to bad IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are installed to decrease energy bills. However, they also block proper ventilation by keeping inside air in and exterior air out. The result could be an accumulation of fumes inside your house.
Poor IAQ can be a direct or indirect source of some health troubles. Medical experts have determined that as many as half of all sicknesses are caused or irritated by indoor air pollution.
Vapors inside your house can result in flu-like sickness like headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation. It can also aggravate allergies and asthma.
Enough ventilation also is an important factor in enhancing indoor air quality, because it lowers the level of indoor pollutants.