 Maintaining Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality refers to the quality of the air within and around the building. Indoor Air Quality depends on a lot of factors like the quantity of gases like Oxygen, Carbon Di-Oxide, Carbon Mono-Oxide etc. It also depends on the content of particulates and microbial contaminants. Importance of Maintaining Indoor Air Quality is vital because an average human being spends approximately 90% of their time inside a building.
Why does it matter so much?
As most of the time is spent inside a building, it is vital that the Indoor Air Quality is maintained according to the proper standards.
Poor Indoor Air Quality can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Also, some diseases have been linked to specific air contaminants or indoor environments, such as asthma with damp indoor environments.
Considering the other side, it is said that well maintained Air Quality can have a positive effect on the resident health. It is said to have increased productivity, concentration levels and happiness.
Why is it Important to Maintain Indoor Air Quality?
We spend the majority of our time indoors. The air inside influences our physical and mental health greatly, necessitating clean, fresh air free of pollutants. Here are the reasons why maintaining good indoor air quality is paramount:
Health Benefits
One clear reason for maintaining indoor air quality is its direct impact on health. Poor IAQ correlates with many health problems, particularly breathing issues. Allergens, like dust, pollen, mold, and volatile organic compounds, can lead to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory difficulties. For those with preexisting lung conditions, these pollutants can exacerbate symptoms, leading to frequent doctor visits or hospitalizations.
Additionally, exposure to indoor air toxins has been linked to serious long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even cancer. Studies demonstrate indoor air can often be more polluted than outside air, emphasizing the need for suitable ventilation and air filtering.
Improved Productivity and Concentration
Indoor air quality also significantly impacts mental and cognitive health. Poor air quality, particularly the presence of high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and indoor pollutants, can lead to feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. In work environments, this can result in decreased productivity and poor performance.
By maintaining optimal air quality, individuals are more likely to feel alert, energetic, and focused. Fresh, clean air promotes better concentration, enhanced cognitive function, and a more positive mood, which is essential for both personal and professional success.
Better Sleep
Air quality doesn’t just affect us during waking hours; it can also impact our sleep quality. Poor IAQ can contribute to breathing issues during sleep, such as snoring or even sleep apnea. Inadequate ventilation or the presence of allergens can lead to nasal congestion or irritation, making it harder to get a restful night’s sleep. In contrast, clean, well-ventilated indoor air promotes better sleep by reducing the likelihood of breathing difficulties and helping maintain a comfortable temperature.
Prevention of Mold and Dampness
High humidity levels or poor ventilation can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew inside the home. These fungi release spores into the air, which can cause respiratory issues and aggravate allergies. If left unchecked, mold can also lead to structural damage to the building. Maintaining a good balance of ventilation and humidity helps prevent the growth of mold, keeping the air clean and protecting the integrity of your home.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Maintaining good indoor air quality also has an impact on energy efficiency and cost savings. Proper ventilation systems, air purifiers, and humidifiers can improve airflow, reduce energy costs, and lower the need for excessive heating or cooling. Cleaner air can make the home more comfortable without over-relying on air conditioning or heating systems, leading to potential savings on utility bills.
Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is influenced by a variety of factors, all of which contribute to the overall comfort, safety, and health of the indoor environment. Below are some key factors that impact indoor air quality:
- Building Site or Location: A building’s location affects its indoor air quality due to its proximity to outdoor pollutants like traffic, industrial areas, or environmental factors such as humidity or temperature.
- The Building Design: A well-designed building with proper ventilation and airflow ensures that indoor air quality is maintained, while poor design can lead to stagnant air and pollutant buildup.
- Building Systems Design and Maintenance: Efficient HVAC systems that are properly maintained help filter out pollutants and provide fresh air, while poorly maintained systems can circulate dust, mold, and bacteria.
- Renovation Activities: Renovation work can introduce pollutants such as dust, VOCs, and chemical fumes, which can negatively impact indoor air quality if not properly managed.
- Local Exhaust Ventilation: Local exhaust ventilation systems, such as kitchen hoods and bathroom fans, remove moisture and pollutants at their source, preventing contaminants from spreading throughout the building.
- Building Construction Materials: Materials used in construction, such as wood products or insulation, can emit chemicals like VOCs that degrade air quality if not selected carefully.
- Building Furnishings: Furniture, carpets, and curtains can trap dust, allergens, and chemicals that affect air quality, while some modern furnishings may release VOCs over time.
- Maintenance of the Building: Regular building maintenance, such as cleaning, pest control, and addressing leaks or water damage, prevents the growth of mold and the buildup of other indoor pollutants.
- Occupant Activities: Daily activities like cooking, smoking, or using household products can release pollutants, and practices like smoking indoors or using chemical cleaners can significantly affect air quality.
How To Maintain It:
There are several ways of maintaining and improving Indoor Air Quality, and some of them are:Â
Source Control
Source control is one of the most effective methods for improving IAQ. It involves identifying and eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions. By addressing the root causes of indoor air pollution, you can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and particles. This may involve eliminating products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as certain paints, cleaning products, and air fresheners, or replacing them with more eco-friendly alternatives.
Ventilation Improvements
Improving your ventilation is another way of maintaining the IAQ. There should be ample fresh air inside the building and the ventilation systems should be properly working. Besides this, there should be regular checkups on the HVAC systems. There should be scope for maintaining the Air Quality even when there’s more pollution than normally expected. Paint work, extra occupancy are some of the factors that can temporarily increase the polluted air inside a building. There should also be proper filtration of the air coming inside the building.
Air Cleaners and Purifiers
There are devices that can measure the Air Quality, make decisions according to the quality of air present. For a simple example, if the cleaner detects more Carbon Dioxide than normal it will automatically pump fresh air.
Air Cleaners vary according to a number of factors such as their features, size and the long term performance. While you can make the decision yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional for selecting the best Air Cleaner.
Indoor plantation
Indoor plantation is a great and cheap way of maintaining the Indoor Air Quality Plants need bare-minimum investment, and they are great when it comes to cleaning the air.
Summary
While a lot can be maintained by taking preventive measures and regular maintenance, it is advised to hire a professional for doing a thorough audit. The Cotocon group possesses expertise and experience in this field. It can help in making changes to your current building or proposed constructions so that fresh air is always present in your system.
The Cotocon group caters to LEED Certifications, ENERGY STAR Benchmarking Certifications and more. Get in touch with the Cotocon Group for a detailed explanation on how you can get your home LEED certified or call us at 212—889-6566.
