When we go about our daily lives, we are all exposed to a range of health threats.
Think about it: driving to work, strolling down a busy sidewalk, or simply having fun outside — all these activities expose us to environmental contaminants. And yes, some of these pollutants pose serious health risks. While certain dangers are unavoidable, there’s one you can control. It’s the one you face every time you walk inside: indoor air pollution.
Air Pollution and Health
Did you know that the average American spends an incredible 93% of their life indoors? That’s a staggering amount of time, and unfortunately, it’s not all good news.
You’ve probably heard of Sick Building Syndrome, right? It’s that frustrating, somewhat mysterious health issue people experience from being inside too long. We’re talking about headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and even trouble concentrating. The weird part? There’s no specific disease to blame. The real culprit? Poor ventilation and bad air quality.
What Keeps a Building Comfortable?
Here’s a fun fact: your building’s centralized HVAC system is basically the heart of your indoor environment. It keeps things cozy by regulating temperature and humidity. But — and this is a big one — if those ducts aren’t cleaned or maintained regularly, that same system can spread germs and make matters worse. Instead of keeping the air fresh, it could be moving contaminants from one room to the next. Not exactly the comfort you were hoping for, right?
Types of Pollutants in Indoor Air
Indoor air pollutants fall into two main categories: biological and chemical. Let’s break them down.
Biological Contaminants
These are living (or once-living) organisms that love to make themselves at home in your indoor space. They’re sneaky and often undetectable, but they can wreak havoc on your health, leading to missed workdays and extra trips to the doctor.
Here are some common offenders:
- Dust mites (and their not-so-appetizing leftovers)
- Bacteria and viruses
- Pet dander (tiny bits of fur or skin)
- Pollen
- Mold
These biological pollutants are especially harmful to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Chemical Pollutants
Chemical pollutants are a whole different beast. They’re mostly man-made and come from everyday activities or products. Here are some common examples:
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): A silent killer, often found in gas-powered equipment. It can cause serious symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and confusion without warning.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These include substances like paints, cleaning products, and even cosmetics. Long-term exposure to VOCs isn’t just an annoyance—it can be a real health hazard.
- Pesticides: Sure, they help control pests, but they can also irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. In more serious cases, they might even affect your central nervous system.
- Tobacco Smoke: This one’s a no-brainer. Even secondhand smoke can lead to asthma and lung cancer.
- Radon: A colorless, odorless gas that naturally occurs in soil but can sneak into buildings, causing serious long-term health issues.
Asthma and Respiratory Illness
Over 25 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma, and another 12 million have other respiratory conditions. While there’s no single cause for asthma, poor indoor air quality can definitely make things worse. It not only aggravates symptoms but can also contribute to the development of asthma, particularly in children.
And it’s not just people with existing conditions who are at risk. Long-term exposure to polluted air can slowly wear down a healthy immune system, making anyone vulnerable.
Mold and Mycotoxins
Mold loves a damp environment, and when it finds a cozy corner, it produces toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins. Mold can grow visibly on walls or hide in sneaky places like your HVAC system. Once it’s there, it feeds on organic material like dust and skin flakes. Yuck, right?
Here’s the scary part: 85% of commercial buildings in the U.S. have some form of water damage or mold. That means potential health issues for anyone spending time inside, including asthma, respiratory infections, and more.
Indoor Air Quality and Asthma
If you have asthma, your airways are already inflamed. And poor indoor air quality is like throwing gasoline on that fire. Common allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander can trigger attacks. And don’t forget, even the cleaning products meant to “freshen things up” can be asthma triggers.
Science and Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality isn’t something you can improve with guesswork. It’s all about science, and it requires a holistic approach. Today’s experts don’t just look at indoor pollution in isolation—they consider both indoor and outdoor contaminants to create a complete picture.
One cool technology making waves is Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization. It works through your existing HVAC system to release ions into the air. These ions grab onto pollutants, making them easier to remove. It’s like turning those pesky pollutants into snowballs, so your system can sweep them away more efficiently.
Things You Can Do
Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it boils down to four main steps:
- Substitute: Bring in more fresh air.
- Exhale: Make sure indoor air is being properly removed.
- Contain: Control humidity levels.
- Clean: Use air filtration systems regularly.
Of course, for the best results, it’s wise to hire professionals who know exactly what they’re doing.
Contracting for Professional Services
Air quality professionals are trained to handle all the details that go into keeping your air clean. Whether it’s adjusting humidity levels or checking ventilation systems, they’ve got it covered. And sometimes, their creativity can save you money—like when one of our technicians customized a filter for a client, delivering the same high-quality results at a lower cost.
Pollution Prevention
When it comes to indoor air quality, prevention is key. For commercial spaces, it’s more than just cleaning—it’s about regularly checking materials, equipment, and ventilation systems to make sure they’re not contributing to the problem.
Legal Considerations
As a property owner or manager, you’re responsible for maintaining good indoor air quality. Poor air can lead to:
- Sick Building Syndrome: This happens when at least 20% of occupants report discomfort while inside the building.
- Building-Related Diseases: Unlike Sick Building Syndrome, these are diagnosable illnesses with clear connections to pollutants.
- Chemical Sensitivity: Some people develop hypersensitivity to even small amounts of chemicals, leading to severe health issues.
Neglecting air quality can lead to lawsuits, unhappy tenants, and lost productivity.
Stay Tuned
This is just part one of our Air Quality series. There’s a lot more to explore, from cutting-edge technologies to HVAC maintenance. So stay tuned, because you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
And remember, if you need professional help, Servi-Tek is here. Whether you need advanced systems like Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization or UVC Disinfection Lights, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call at (866) 454-6185 or use our online form to get in touch. Your health—and the health of everyone in your building—depends on it.
