Preventing indoor air quality problems from occurring is the best way to protect the health of everyone that uses the space in question – whether the area is a home or an office. All types of buildings can have air that is contaminated by air pollutants and harmful particles that can cause a number of respiratory illnesses and other health problems. It’s important to take steps to keep air as clean and pure as possible in any structure.
4 Tips to Prevent Problems with Indoor Air Quality
Knowing – and following – a few simple methods to prevent indoor air quality problems can reduce the risks of poor air quality harming the health of the individuals who live and work in a particular building.
1. Keep Air Vents and Grilles Clear
It is important to keep all air vents and grilles clear and free from obstructions. That is because the air vents and grilles are needed to circulate the air throughout the building and through the heating and cooling system. If they are blocked, the air in the indoor areas can become stagnant with high levels of air pollutants due to poor ventilation. Blocked grills can also put mechanical systems under strain, potentially causing costly repairs and higher energy bills.
2. Avoid Smoking in Indoor Spaces
Environmental tobacco smoke is one of the most harmful air pollutants that can be encountered in interior air. Tobacco smoke can cause a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions for both the smoker and anyone else that inhales the smoke from tobacco products.
Banning smoking in indoor areas and creating a designated area outside away from the doors and windows of the building is the best way to eliminate tobacco smoke from the indoor air.
3. Install High Quality Air Filters
Installing high quality air filters in the heating and cooling system of the building will help to reduce the number of airborne contaminants in the indoor air. Choose high quality filters that are capable of removing a wide variety of contaminants from the air as it passes through the filter, including dust, animal dander, mold, viruses, and harmful particulates.
Make sure that the high quality air filter purchased is the right size for your heating and cooling unit so that it will work effectively and improve the quality of the indoor air.
4. Dispose of Trash Properly
Neglecting to dispose of trash properly can have a negative effect on the quality of the air in an interior space. Decaying food products can disperse mold and other harmful contaminants into the air. Chemical products can release chemical agents that can be dangerous when ingested or inhaled. It is important to dispose of all trash properly and promptly remove the trash from indoor areas to maintain good air quality in the indoor space.
Understanding the Importance of Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the indoor air can impact the comfort, health, and well-being of everyone that uses the building. Poor quality air can quickly affect the most vulnerable among us, such as seniors, infants, and those with a weakened immune system. Healthy individuals may develop health complications or respiratory illnesses from repeated or long-term exposure.
By maintaining good indoor air quality, you can reduce instances of illness and decrease the risk of developing devastating health conditions associated with exposure to poor quality air.
Jim Gates, CAFS, is the brand manager for Quality Filters, Inc. (http://qualityfilters.com), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality home and commercial air filters. The company’s products are available online at BuyFilters.com (http://buyfilters.com).