Indoor air quality can be worse than most people believe, but there are things you can do about it. First, identifying the source with an air quality test will assist the homeowner in developing an effective plan to mitigate the problem.
Signs A Home May Have Quality Indoor Air
unusual and noticeable odors
stale or stuffy air
an apparent lack of air movement
dirty or faulty central heating or air-conditioning equipment
damaged flue pipes and chimneys
unvented combustion air sources for fossil-fuel appliances
excessive humidity
the presence of molds and mildew
adverse health reaction after remodeling, weatherizing, bringing in new furniture, using household and hobby products, and moving into a new home
feeling noticeably healthier outside
Investigate Common Causes of Air Quality Problems
Undesirable indoor air quality can come from various sources. At least some of the following contaminants can be found in almost any home:
moisture and biological pollutants, such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroaches
high humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners
combustion products, including carbon monoxide, from unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and back-drafting from furnaces and water heaters
formaldehyde from durable-press draperies and other textiles, particleboard products, such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives
radon, which is a radioactive gas from the soil and rock beneath and around the home's foundation, groundwater wells, and some building materials;
household products and furnishings, such as paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, adhesives, and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
asbestos, which is found in most homes more than 20 years old.
lead from lead-based paint dust, which is created when removing paint by sanding, scraping, and burning
particulates from dust and pollen, fireplaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters, and unvented gas space heaters
tobacco smoke, which produces particulates, combustion products, and formaldehyde
Improving indoor air quality in your home is prudent, even if symptoms are not evident. While pollutants commonly found in indoor air are responsible for many harmful effects, there is considerable uncertainty about what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems. People also react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants. Further research is needed to understand better which health effects occur after exposure to the average pollutant concentrations found in homes and which occur from the higher concentrations over short periods.
Indoor air contaminants can be a source of health problems. Hiring a trained home inspector in air quality to perform your next home inspection can help identify potential causes and remedies.