The Health of Your Home: Airborne Pathogens

The need for clean air in our homes should not be underestimated. In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within our homes can be seriously polluted. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that indoor air may be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outdoor air we breath. With the focus on energy efficiency, today’s homes are tightly sealed, which helps keep energy costs down, but in turn increases indoor air pollutants. It is estimated that 50% of illnesses are directly related to or aggravated by the air we breathe.

The health effects of poor indoor air quality has been linked to asthma, allergies, hay fever, respiratory problems, headaches, eye irritations, sore throat, memory loss, skin irritations, fatigue, dizziness, depression, sinus infections, emphysema, colds and flu. Other health effects may show up years after exposure has occurred— respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer. Those at the highest risk include infants, children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.

Poor indoor air quality can range from minor irritants like bad odours to active airborne pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and mould spores that can trigger serious health problems. Additional pollutants come from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that evaporate easily at room temperature and are given off by items like building materials, house hold cleaning products, carpets, drapes and furniture. These VOCs can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, dizziness and skin problems. Higher amounts of VOCs can cause irritation of the lungs and wheezing.

With the ever increasing warnings of harmful indoor airborne pathogens it is important to try to improve indoor air quality with a superior Air Purification System to protect the health of your family.