 Most people spend well over 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, indoor air affects our health far more than outdoor air.
To conserve energy, today's homes are built as air-tight as possible. Results: Nature's air-cleansing agents such as ozone and negative ions are kept out; contaminants are kept in. Ironically, these efforts to lower energy costs have increased the likelihood that pollutants generated indoors will not only remain but accumulate.
A recent study found that the allergen level in super insulated homes is 200% higher than it is in ordinary homes.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 30% of newly constructed and remodeled facilities have indoor air quality problems.
87% of American homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors, even though…
…the EPA ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.
EPA studies also indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be 25 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. In general, indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
Modern indoor environments contain a complex array of potential sources of air pollution, including synthetic building materials, consumer products, and dust mites.
Airborne emissions also occur because of the people, pets, and plants that inhabit these spaces.
In the last 30 years, asthma cases have increased by more than 100% since 1976.
More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age children.
According to the American College of Allergies, 50% of all illness is aggravated or caused by polluted indoor air.
Because they breathe faster than adults, children inhale 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults and are especially sensitive to air quality problems.
Over 28 million Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies.
According to a study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indoor air contaminants are responsible for half of all illnesses.
Tobacco smoke actually contains over 4,000 compounds, many of which are strong irritants.
Many ordinary activities such as cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread indoor pollutants.
Most homes generate about 40 pounds of dust per year for every 1,500 square feet of space.
About 40,000 dust mites, a common cause of household allergies, can be found in only one ounce of dust. Even a spotless home can allow indoor pollutants to flourish. Bathrooms, damp basements, and even carpets and furniture are often the prime causes.
Summary:
Now that you have the facts, should you be concerned about Indoor Air Quality? Here are 5 reasons when and why indoor air quality should be of concern:
1. It is now widely recognized that most people spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Because most of us spend so much time inside, indoor pollution concentrations make a significant contribution to our average exposure over a day, week, month, or year.
2. Monitoring studies inside buildings and vehicles have consistently found that concentrations of many air pollutants tend to be higher indoors than out. Indoor air has been shown to be a complex mixture of chemical, biological, and physical agents.
3. Complaints about inadequate indoor air quality and associated discomfort and illness are a burgeoning problem in our society.
4. Exposures to many indoor air pollutants are known or suspected to occur at levels sufficient to cause illness or injury. Scientific evidence suggests that respiratory disease, allergy, mucous membrane irritation, nervous system effects, cardiovascular effects, reproductive effects, and lung cancer may be linked to exposures to indoor air pollutants.
5. The same airborne particles which impact human respiratory health may also damage home entertainment centers and computer equipment and can compromise air conditioning equipment by forcing it to work harder, thereby reducing its efficiency and possibly shortening its lifespan.
NEXT TIME: How to find the solution and the right air cleaner/purifier for you.
Reminder: Breathing is not a matter of choice…breathing clean air is!
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