Can indoor air quality make you sick?

Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.

Is indoor air quality a concern?

Is indoor air quality (IAQ) a health and safety concern? Indoor air quality is an important health and safety concern for workplaces. Common issues associated with IAQ include: Improper or inadequately maintained heating and ventilation systems.

What are some of the symptoms that can be caused by poor indoor air quality?

Poor indoor air quality can cause health effects that are similar to those of common cold or influenza. These symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, dizziness, and fatigue. They’re often short-term and easily treatable.

How do you fix poor indoor air quality?

7 ways to improve indoor air quality and reduce air pollution in your home.

  1. Change your AC filter.
  2. Don’t forget about other air filters.
  3. Check your air ducts.
  4. Use cooking vents.
  5. Keep your rugs and carpets clean.
  6. Control humidity in your home.
  7. Buy indoor plants to freshen the air.

Where do indoor air pollutants come from?

Indoor air pollution results from the burning of solid fuels such as crop waste, dung, charcoal and coal for cooking and heating in households. Burning these fuels produces particulate matter – a major health risk, particularly for respiratory diseases.

How does air quality affect throat?

When pollution levels are high and air quality alerts are in place, many people may experience an irritation of their respiratory system. This can result in coughing, sore throat, tightness of the chest, irritation of the airways, and even chest pain.

Who regulates indoor air quality in the US?

EPA
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common air pollutants.

Is there a way to test the air quality in your home?

Purchase an indoor air quality monitor. They do, and they are the easiest option on the market today for consistently checking your Indoor Air Quality. What is it? An always-on electronic device that consistently tests and reports on the levels of pollution inside your home.

How do you test indoor air quality?

How to Test The Air Quality in Your Home

  1. Purchase an indoor air quality monitor.
  2. Test for mold in the air.
  3. Install carbon monoxide alarms.
  4. Conduct a radon test.