Absolutely. Air pollution levels can be nearly 100 times worse inside than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that many people spend 90% of their time in a building, making it crucial for homeowners to be aware of indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tempe.
Many common household products contribute to poor indoor air quality, including:
- Chemicals used in carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
- Cleaning chemicals
- Paint
- Personal care cosmetics
The tight construction of modern residences also contributes significantly to bad IAQ. Fixtures like weather stripping and storm doors are installed to lower energy bills. However, they also block proper ventilation by keeping interior air in and outside air out. The outcome could be an increase of contaminants in your home.
Poor IAQ can be a direct or indirect trigger of several health problems. Medical professionals have found that up to half of all illnesses are caused or irritated by indoor air pollution.
Chemicals within your house can lead to flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory inflammation. It can also aggravate allergies and asthma.
Proper ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality, as it lowers the amount of indoor pollutants.