Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is closely linked to health and well-being. People tend to spend a great deal of time indoors. Breathable air, free of health-threatening pollutants, can lead to a better quality of life, a lower risk of respiratory illness, and a reduced risk of various chronic conditions. For health and protection, homes and public spaces can be equipped with the best air quality monitor for mold and other environmental pollutants.
Air quality monitoring
As with other environmental health risks, IAQ can be reliably monitored to assess the existing risk and improve air quality. Monitoring equipment can be set to detect signals of health-threatening pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, which are invisible to the human eye.
Observable signs such as musty odors, damp smells, or condensation on the ceiling can offer clues about the IAQ in a given area, although they cannot definitively show what the problem is. A connected monitor works to ensure that air quality stays high for the safety of the building's occupants.
Health problems associated with air pollution
Air quality is known to have a direct and indirect impact on health. The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States cites air quality as an important factor for people with asthma, lung disease, and heart disease, as well as for young children and the elderly. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service estimates that the medical costs associated with poor IAQ can reach up to £20 billion per year, with 24,000 premature deaths each year.
Better air quality is thought to help prevent the onset of certain diseases, including asthma. Removing health-threatening pollutants can lead to improved public health and environmental benefits.
Poor IAQ is associated with the following health problems:
- Respiratory illnesses
- Throat and nasal conditions, sore throat
- Complications for lung and heart conditions
- Coughing
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Headaches
- Moderate to severe allergic reactions (mold, mildew)
- Asthma complications
- Cancer
- Fatigue
- Skin conditions, itching
This list is not exhaustive and may not show the full range of potential health risks linked to poor air quality. Short-term exposure to poor air quality can lead to illness, while long-term exposure can cause serious complications. Any exposure can be dangerous and may worsen pre-existing conditions or create new health problems.
Common environmental pollutants
In homes, offices, and other public spaces, there are many common pollutants. These include VOCs, secondhand smoke, radon, nitrogen dioxide, lead particles, asbestos or other building materials, and mold or mildew.
Pollutants can be organic or man-made. Household furnishings can harbor mold and mildew, while energy-inefficient appliances can create smoke and chemical pollutants in the home. In humid areas, mold and mildew are often found hidden in attics or basements, where musty odors, condensation, and other signs are less visible.
Secondhand smoke has a powerful negative impact on IAQ. The Environmental Protection Agency and similar organizations across the EU are working to prevent smoking in public spaces or in enclosed spaces around children because of the high risks to health and well-being. Energy-efficient vehicles and public transit systems also reduce the inhalation of smoke and exhaust.
Public environmental factors are only one contributor to air quality. Offices, homes, businesses, schools, and other indoor spaces are all at risk of negative effects from everyday products, building materials, and natural pollutants. VOCs, carbon compounds, and environmental pollutants are common in enclosed spaces.
Key takeaways
Monitor your IAQ and learn how to improve the air quality in your home to avoid health problems, discomfort, or serious complications down the road. Air quality is an important metric to understand and track for your health and the health of the people who live in or visit the space you control. A smartphone air quality monitor or a built-in carbon monoxide and radon monitor can make a difference to your short- and long-term health.
To learn more about air quality and the health-threatening conditions linked to poor IAQ, read more about the long-term effects of volatile organic compounds, mold and mildew exposure, and carbon monoxide poisoning.