The Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Your Health

With all the time that must now be spent indoors, it is important now more than ever to make sure that there is good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in the spaces you frequent. More often than not, people think that just going indoors can protect them from the pathogens and pollution of the outside world. Many people don’t take their IAQ into account, assuming it will just take care of itself.

In reality, studies have shown that IAQ can be worse, as air pollutants are worse inside than outside. That’s why it is essential to consider the IAQ of your property, whether you are managing a building or just your home.

The effects of poor Indoor Air Quality on your health

Poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors, is associated with the following negative effects on the body:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Respiratory irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Dizziness
• Hypersensitivity
• Allergies
• Frequent sneezing

While any of these could be due to various diseases and medical issues, your poor Indoor Air Quality might be making you more susceptible to these issues. If you suffer at night and find yourself sneezing more in certain rooms, there could be concerns with your IAQ.

Factors that might affect your IAQ

There are plenty of factors that can affect your IAQ. Some of these things you can deal with by yourself. To improve your air quality, consider the following: 

• The amount of dust in your living space
• The presents of pets and fur
• The frequency at which you get bloody noses
• Whether or not you smoke, both outdoors and indoors
• The presence of aromatherapy candles and other open flames
• If you frequently get allergy symptoms such as sneezing, headaches, and congestion

All these and more are indicators of poor air quality and will need specific attention to solve. 

Some easy solutions 

Dust is one of the enemies of the respiratory system, and as such, it is important to dust, sweep, wipe, mop, or vacuum all the surfaces in your house regularly. When doing so, make sure to wear a dust-proof mask like an N95 mask, so you don’t end up inhaling the dust you stir up. 

If your pets are prone to shedding, brush them regularly to catch the fur before it spreads to the rest of the house. 

Additionally, try to test whether your respiration improves after you stop the following: tobacco, aromatherapy candles, incense, and so on. Anything that puts smoke and other particles into your home might be irritating your lungs. 

The best solution

Depending on your needs, there are plenty of products on the market that can effectively filter your air, no matter how large your space. With a high-quality air cleaner, you can remove the pollutants, particles, and pathogens in the air that are negatively affecting your health. 

Some air purifiers are of such quality that they can remove up to 99.98% of all airborne particles, keeping you safe from the unseen pollutants. 

In conclusion

When thinking about your health, it is vital to consider the things you cannot see. Your Indoor Air Quality is an important aspect of these considerations, given that you are frequently exposed to it. With regular cleaning, healthier habits, and a high-quality air cleaner, you can easily and immediately improve your situation and your health.

If you’re looking for a high-quality air cleaner/purifier in Edmonton or Calgary to improve your IAQ, send us a message at Legacy Heating. We have the products and systems needed to keep you healthy and happy.