Importance of Indoor Air Quality
Breathing clean and fresh air is essential for optimal indoor living, where we spend most of our time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.2 million people died from inhaling poor-quality household air in 2020.
People often overlook it, which costs their health in the long run. Let’s discuss the importance of the quality of the air we breathe indoors.
What is Considered Poor Air Quality?
Air Quality Index (AQI) is the standard for indoor and outdoor air quality. It ranges from 0-500, and the higher the AQI, the poorer the air quality. Above 300 is considered dangerous outdoors, while indoors, the number shouldn't be more than 100.
People don't often realize the presence of pollutants in their homes, but they can come from various sources. These include wall paint, formaldehyde, new furniture, poor insulation, lead, etc.
Why is Indoor Air Quality so Crucial?
We Spend Most of Our Time Indoors
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor pollutants are two to five times higher than outdoor contaminants. Sometimes the indoor air quality is much more hazardous than outdoors. Usually, people spend most of their time inside, sometimes 90% of it, so it is crucial to have clean air indoors.
Raises Work Standard
Having clean air in offices helps the staff to perform their tasks even better. It helps them have a clear head and raises the work standard.
In contrast, poor indoor air leads to cough, bad throat, teary eyes, etc. Things can get even more severe in the long term if proper care isn't taken, negatively impacting the office staff's working environment.
Enhances Productivity
Poor indoor air quality also hampers productivity. People who suffer from prolonged illnesses due to bad air quality must take days off from work. Ultimately, the work still needs to be done, and targets/goals aren't met, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars.
Bad indoor air quality can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. It can also irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
Prevents Short Term & Long Term Health Hazards
Usually, the health effects of poor air and colder seasons are similar, so be careful about the timing and location. If your symptoms get better once you leave home or another building, chances are it's the air inside the building that's bad.
Your body's immediate reaction to poor health quality depends upon different factors such as age, overall health, any existing medical conditions, etc.
The long-term effects are known only when you have been exposed to poor air for a long while. For instance, exposure to poor ventilation for a long time can cause heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems. In some cases, these problems can become fatal.
Conclusion
If you want to have a healthy lifestyle and breathe fresh air, your prime focus should be on indoor air quality. It can lead to several health issues, such as bad throat and coughing, in the short run, and cancer and heart problems in the long run.
Make sure you use quality products to improve the air quality inside your homes for a healthy lifestyle.
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