Health Effects of Poor IAQ

Building related illnesses such as Legionnaire's disease, asthma, hypersensitivity, Pneumonitis, and humidifier fever have been traced to specific building problems.

Sick building syndrome consists of symptoms that do not fit the pattern of any particular illness and are difficult to trace to any specific source. Occupants may complain of burning eyes, nose, dizziness, nausea, headache or irritability which begins when workers enter their offices and diminish when they leave.

The World Health Organization believes that up to 30% of new or remodeled commercial buildings may have unusually high rates of health and comfort complaints that may possibly be IAQ related.

The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that indoor air is up to 70% more contaminated than outdoor air. 

50% of all illnesses are either caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air (American College of Allergists).

One out of six people who suffer from allergies do so as a direct result of the fungi and bacteria in air duct systems (Total Health and Better Magazines).

Children are more likely than adults to be affected by polluted indoor air, they breathe faster, inhale more air per unit of body weight and are closer to the ground where concentrations are higher (Department of Consumer Affairs).

The elderly, asthmatics, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are also likely to be more sensitive to pollutants (Department of Consumer Affairs).

In addition to health issues, poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can affect the efficiency of the ventilation system and cause higher maintenance costs by stressing the mechanical system.  Energy Efficiency

Article Links:

Does Air Duct Cleaning Reduce Allergies in the Home?