Indoor Air Quality
Key Laboratory offers industrial, commercial, and residential
inspections relating to all aspects of Indoor Air Quality. If
you need assistance for a single incident, or regular inspections to
adhere to regulations and standards set by your organization, we can
provide that service.
Indoor Air Quality and You
All of us face a variety of risks to our health as we go about our
day-to-day lives. Driving in cars, flying in planes, engaging in
recreational activities, and being exposed to environmental pollutants
all pose varying degrees of risk. Some risks are simply unavoidable.
Some we choose to accept because to do otherwise would restrict our
ability to lead our lives the way we want. And some are risks we might
decide to avoid if we had the opportunity to make informed choices.
Indoor air pollution is one risk that you can do something about.
What Causes Indoor Air Problems?
Indoor pollution sources that release gases, particles, or
spores into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems
in homes and offices. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor
pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute
emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants
out of the building. High temperature and humidity levels can also
increase concentrations of some pollutants.
Where Does Indoor Air Pollution Come From?
There are many sources of indoor air pollution.
These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood,
and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as
deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and
cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products
for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies;
central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; outdoor
sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution; as well as
spore-producing flora such as mold.
Indoor Air Quality and Health
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced
soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.
Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated
exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat,
headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Symptoms of some diseases, including
asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also
show up soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants.
Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has
occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These
effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and
cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to
try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are
not noticeable.
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