What Are the Effects of Poor Air Quality?

by George Karonis

The quality of indoor and outdoor air has a significant effect on physical and mental health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to ensure the air quality inside your home and/or business, is safe for all to breathe as well as the air outside. Everyone needs to make changes in order to avoid effects like these.

Respiratory Health Impact

Perhaps the most prominent and notable effect poor air quality has on the human body is the impact it has on the respiratory system. From irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat to more serious respiratory conditions including

  • Shortness of breath
  • Asthma
  • Chronic respiratory conditions
  • Heart health
  • Circulatory system

poor indoor air quality can negatively affect respiratory health.

According to the American Lung Association the most common pollutants in U.S. homes and businesses include:

Spare the Air warns that in addition to the usual suspects that impact air quality inside the home and out, the winter months presents new challenges in the form of wood smoke from fireplaces as a late evening source of pollution and ozone from vehicles is a primary contributor to poor air quality outside on hot summer days.

Structural Damage to Homes and Offices

Physical health is important, but there is also an economic toll related to indoor air quality – particularly when it relates to moisture in the air. Not only can this cause mold, which in itself is costly to remove, but it can also lead to structural damage and rot within the walls, in attic spaces, and near window frames where excess moisture often gathers.

This damage is particularly costly because it requires going beneath the surface, pulling out walls, flooring, etc. in order to repair the damage and then replace the walls and flooring you had to remove. The costs of cleanup, mold removal, and the subsequent repairs add up quickly and are not generally covered by insurance policies.

What Can You Do to Reduce these Effects?

Everyone can play a role in improving air quality inside the home. Begin by making note of the things you bring into the home. Eliminate things that are made of harmful materials. Deep clean the home with natural cleaners. Repair leaks immediately, and invest in a whole house fan as the perfect medium to draw clean, non-toxic air into your home through open windows, while venting toxic air out of your home through vents in the attic.

Once more people begin to take small steps to reduce the toxins in the air, the sooner overall quality of air everywhere will improve.

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