We spend so much time in our home, office, car, hotel rooms and other
places outside our home where indoor air contaminants lurk. With every
breath unhealthy indoor air exposes you and your family to:
Microbials:
Includes three major types of organism: bacteria,
protozoa and fungi/mold. Most of these contaminants
rely on a humid and moist environment for growth
and survival. Some molds can produce certain chemicals,
such as mycotoxins and Volatile Organic Compound
(VOCs). Microbial are often thriving in air conditioning
ducts and vents.
Odors
And Gases:
Indoor gases, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and
hydrogen sulfide, are released from furniture, carpets,
hair sprays, cleaning chemicals, insulation, and
pesticides. Gases include VOCs which evaporate into
the air easily. Odors are often made up of VOCs
or other gases.
In light of ever-increasing temperature,
we are sealing our homes and buildings with better window, insulation
and moldings. When homes and other buildings are sealed, contaminants
can build up, such as mold in the ductwork. As air passed through these
ducts, the mold – along with chemicals given of by paints, cleaners,
glues, pressed board furniture, pesticides, and of course, cigarette
smoke – is pick up and circulated throughout the structure without
ever being “cleaned”.
Do You Know:
According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), 40% of all buildings are
serious hazard to our health because of their polluted
air.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies
indicate that indoor levels of air pollutants may
be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels.
High levels of indoor air pollutants
may be of particular concern because most people spend
up to 90% of their time indoor.
What happens to us and to our families? Indoor air
pollution at home, at work or on the road can cause or worsen:
