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People spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors - at home, school and work. Poor indoor air quality may cause one or more of the following symptoms: headache, wheezing, tiredness, coughing, sneezing, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose or throat. Allergy or asthma symptoms may also get worse. In rare cases, an inflammation of the lungs called hypersensitivity pneumonitis may develop.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to indoor air pollution. By understanding some of the possible causes of this pollution, you can then start to control or get rid of it.
Biological contaminants can come from both outside and inside the home and may cause allergic symptoms. Examples of contaminants include: fungi (moulds), insects such as dust mites and cockroaches, fur-bearing animals, such as dander from dogs or cats, and dusts and pollens. For more information, see BC HealthFile #65b IAQ: Moulds and Other Biological Contaminants.
Combustion (burning) by-products are gases and tiny particles that are caused by the incomplete burning of fuels such as oil, gas, kerosene, wood, coal and propane. Examples of combustion by-products include, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Sources include wood heaters and woodstoves, furnaces, gas ranges, fireplaces and car exhaust (in an attached garage). Tobacco smoke is another source. For more information, see BC HealthFile #65c IAQ: Combustion By-products and #30a Second-Hand Smoke.
Formaldehyde and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Formaldehyde is a chemical found in many building materials, such as plywood and particleboard, in furnishings, such as furniture, drapes and carpets, and in personal care products. Cleaning agents, paints, lacquers and varnishes are additional sources of VOCs. VOCs can be released from these materials for several years. For more information, see BC HealthFile #65d IAQ: Volatile Organic Compounds.
Asbestos fibers: Asbestos was used as an insulator and fire retardant for many years. It is sometimes still found wrapped around older hot water pipes and boilers. It is also found in old flooring material and some types of insulation used in attics and walls. Asbestos does not cause a health risk unless it is frayed or crumbling and releasing fibers into the air that can be inhaled. For more information, see BC HealthFile #32 Asbestos.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas given off during the natural decay of uranium found in soil and rock. Radon gas is odorless, invisible and without taste. It can enter a home or building indirectly through the soil. High levels of inhaled radon gas may eventually lead to lung cancer. High levels of radon have been found in parts of northern and the interior of British Columbia. For more information, see BC HealthFile #42 Radon in Homes and Other Dwellings.
Lack of proper ventilation: Inadequate ventilation may occur in tightly sealed buildings or those with too high a level of re-circulated building air. This may reduce indoor air quality. These types of buildings may also have higher indoor moisture (humidity) levels, contributing to the growth of moulds and mildews.
There are three basic ways to improve indoor air quality.
Biological contaminants
Combustion by-products
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Air purifiers
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