Indoor Air Quality and Our Health
Published by Lisa Hickey
on
- Excessive occupants with poor ventilation cause an increase in carbon dioxide leading to headaches, chest discomfort, throat irritation, and respiratory systems.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted gases from aerosol sprays, solvents, glues, cleaning agents, and paints. VOCs can have short and long-term detrimental health effects.
- Ozone enters the building from office printers/copiers or malfunctioning air treatment systems. Common symptoms are coughing, throat irritation, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.
- Formaldehyde from pressed wood products may cause headaches, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and be a cause of cancer.
- Biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, dust mites, or fungi are developed from poorly maintained HVAC systems, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. Occupants may experience eye, nose, or throat irritation, fever, Influenza, or other infectious diseases.
