How Well do you Know the Air in Your Home?

Miriam Stevens, Clean Air Advice
June 2006

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) poor indoor air quality ranks among the top 5 environmental risks to public health. Despite this fact, only half of the population is aware of the dangers posed by poor indoor air quality. And almost 25 percent are not concerned at all about their indoor air quality or the effects it may have on their family's health.

Most people are aware of the often-dangerous levels of outdoor pollution due to car exhaust, smog, ect. However, less than 20 percent of the population thinks that the level of pollution indoors can often be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. In extreme cases reaching levels 100 times higher.

The majority of homes today have either forced air heating and/or central air conditioning. Out of these homes half of them do not perform regular air filter replacement as often as recommended (every 2-3 months). And shockingly around 10 percent have never changed the air filter in their heating/air conditioning systems.

High Efficiency Particulate Air filters (HEPA Filters) are much more effective than regular fiberglass filters at removing pollen, pet dander and other air borne pollutants. However, only approximately 11 percent of homes put HEPA Filters to use in their air circulation systems.

Half of Americans are not aware that a qualified professional should inspect their forced air heating and central air conditioning systems yearly. A trained professional as such will be able to tell if it is necessary to perform an Air Duct Cleaning, Air Filter Cleaning, or Mold Testing in order to protect your home's indoor air quality. Over 30 percent have never had their systems inspected.

Poor indoor air quality can cause serious chronic respiratory diseases in certain cases. However, more common problems are often chronic sinusitis, headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue. In addition, those already with respiratory problems are placed at even greater risk. Around 75 percent of the population either have or live with someone who has allergies, asthma, chronic sinusitis, or other respiratory illnesses.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It is a colorless and odorless gas that interferes with the body's oxygen delivery systems. High concentrations can cause unconsciousness and even death, while low concentrations lead to headaches, nausea, disorientation and fatigue. Only 27 percent of the population has carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

An estimated 81 million Americans live, work and play in areas known to have short-term levels of unhealthy particle pollution while 66 million live in areas of chronically unhealthy levels. Air pollution is a large contributor to lung disease; the third leading cause of death in the United States claiming close to 341,500 lives annually. Exposure to outdoor air pollution is, more often than not, uncontrollable. However, the level of indoor air quality you breath is something that can be regulated with relative ease.

If you have questions about the air quality in your home, consider testing the air quality. Here are some simple tips and advice for performing Home Air Testing in your home or office.

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