 We all know about the dangers of smog in the air over our cities, but how much do we know about indoor air quality? Reports from the World Health Organization estimate nearly one third of American buildings have ‘poor’ air quality, and experts are finding out that our home and commercial building interiors aren’t what they should be.
During the past few decades, the focus was on the obvious, immediate air hazards, like asbestos, lead, and radon. A lot of these issues were dealt with extensively over the 80s and 90s, and into the present.
Now, more and more homeowners and public planners are looking at more subtle forms of indoor air toxicity.
Some of these, like mold, are naturally occurring: with so many Americans allergic to mold, buildings that accumulate certain kinds of molds like “black mold” and other substances present in decay presents a problem for the health of inhabitants.
Other indoor toxins come from new installations. The “new carpet” smell you encounter in recently renovated rooms can be a warning that the project has carried some hazardous materials into the building. The same is true for treated wood products, finishes, heating elements, and more.
So what can we do to limit the effects of these hazards? A lot of the solution is in common sense: though buildings these days are often sealed tightly to preserve energy, proper ventilation is also critical for human health. If you’re concerned about the quality of the air you breathe during the day, make sure you air out rooms and that any air circulation systems are monitored and in good working order. Air filters also provide a level of protection and lots of homeowners and others look for emerging retail products that can work on indoor air quality.
A few more useful tips avoiding indoor air health issues include these:
Let a New Room Settle
When new carpet and furnishings have been installed or a room has just been painted, air it out and stay away for a few days to let the fumes and particulates settle down.
Drop the High-Octane Products
From paints to carpets, sealers and wood products, manufacturers now offer items free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) for getting rooms renovated without introducing a lot of harsh chemicals and toxic substances into the building. Look for these certified products and preserve the health of those living and working in your space.
Green Your Area
Plants of all types can be effective in freshening indoor air by filtering out some carbon elements and other pollutants.
Use Monitoring Products
In addition to the already mentioned air filters, you can buy carbon monoxide detectors and other gear for appraising your indoor environment.
A combination of these approaches will make sure your office or home is up to the general standards for public health.
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