Indoor Air Quality Facts

 

 

FACT: “The Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. Interestingly, five out of ten Americans are not aware of this fact.”

 

Source: American Lung Association

 

FACT: Levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher (and occasionally 100 time higher) than outdoor levels.

 

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

 

FACT: “In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.

In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.”

 

SOURCE: Choose Clean Air, Utah

 

 

FACT: Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Unchecked mold growth can cause potential health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Source: "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" EPA

 

 

FACT: “Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Lives. About 200 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu-like illnesses and include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and irregular breathing. Carbon monoxide can leak from faulty furnaces or fuel-fired heaters or can be trapped inside by a blocked chimney or flue. Burning charcoal inside the house or running an automobile engine in an attached garage also will produce carbon monoxide in the home.

The first line of defense against carbon monoxide is to make sure that all fuel-burning appliances operate properly. Consumers should have their home heating systems (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year for proper operations and leakage. Inspectors should check all heating appliances and their electrical and mechanical components, thermostat controls and automatic safety devices.”

 

Properly working carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning to consumers before the deadly gas builds up to a dangerous level. Exposure to a low concentration over several hours can be as dangerous as exposure to high carbon monoxide levels for a few minutes - the new detectors will detect both conditions.”

 

SOURCE: Consumer Protection Safety Commission

 

Schedule Service/Estimates!

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

E-mail:

Type of Service: