Absolutely. Air pollution levels can be nearly 100 times greater inside than outdoors. The American Lung Association found that most people spend 90% of their time in a building, making it important for homeowners to be knowledgeable about indoor air quality (IAQ) in Charleston.
Many regular household items contribute to bad indoor air quality, such as:
- Chemicals used in carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
- Cleaning products
- Paint
- Personal care items
The secure construction of today's homes also contributes greatly to inferior IAQ. Upgrades like weather stripping and storm doors are created to lower heating and cooling costs. However, they also stop enough ventilation by keeping inside air in and outdoor air out. The consequence could be a buildup of fumes in your residence.
Bad IAQ can be a direct or indirect trigger of several health problems. Medical groups report that nearly half of all sicknesses are tied or worsened by indoor air pollution.
Vapors inside your residence can result in flu-like symptoms including headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation. It can also trigger allergies and asthma.
Enough ventilation also is an important part of improving indoor air quality, as it decreases the concentration of indoor pollutants.