Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?

Absolutely. Air pollution levels can be up to 100 times greater indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association says that many people spend 90% of their time indoors, making it essential for homeowners to be aware of indoor air quality (IAQ) in Waukegan.

Many standard household things cause bad indoor air quality, like:

• Chemicals used in carpet, furniture, upholstery and drapes
• Cleaning sprays
• Paint
• Personal care products

The snug construction of today's houses also contributes majorly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are made to lower energy costs. However, they also stop proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and exterior air out. The result could be an accumulation of fumes inside your residence.

Bad IAQ can be a direct or indirect cause of various health troubles. Medical professionals have found that up to half of all sicknesses are linked or aggravated by indoor air pollution.

Pollutants in your residence can lead to flu-like illness like headaches, nausea and respiratory inflammation. It can also trigger allergies and asthma.

Enough ventilation also is an important factor in enhancing indoor air quality, because it decreases the level of indoor pollutants.