Indoor air quality Is a cause for concern in most homes.

Due to the high percentage of time we spend indoors at home, work, or at school, the scientific community has placed a new focus on indoor air quality. Reports have determined that indoor air can actually have 2-5 times higher concentrations of harmful pollutants than outdoor air. Although some individual pollutants may not pose a significant risk to our health, a combination of sources can, over time, create serious health problems.

A common source for these hazards is the building materials used in new homes. These materials can release airborne particles or fumes for several years, giving a home that “new home smell.” With builders constructing tighter homes to reduce energy costs, these fumes cannot escape. Meanwhile, owners of older homes face concerns from wood, furnishings, and fabrics which naturally break down over time, radon and mold from previously damp duct systems or carpet.

Other pollutants like pollen, smog, plant spores, tobacco smoke, and bacteria are creating health problems ranging from dizziness to asthma.

Indoor air can be more harmful than outdoor air up to 100 times more pollutants can be found indoors.

People spend up to 90% of their time indoors.

Poor IAQ can trigger potential health problems such as chronic respiratory ailments, asthma, recurring flus, aggravated allergies, coughs, headaches, chronic fatigue and poor concentration.

• These microscopic particles can become lodged in mucous membranes or the lining of the lungs, causing allergic reactions, respiratory disorders and a diminished immune system.
• Energy-efficient houses may have poor air circulation and seal in pollutants.
• Today’s better insulated homes can trap moisture and pollutants, leading to structural damage and IAQ problems.
• Ongoing exposure to indoor air contaminants creates greater risk for health problems and can aggravate existing ones.

Since homes are built increasingly airtight to conserve energy, harmful pollutants and dry, stale air can be trapped inside with no where to escape. The result can be degraded indoor air quality. However, as a homeowner, there is a lot you can do to improve the air your family breathes.

A recent study by Doctor Kovesi from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario demonstrates that a relationship exists between the use of Heat Recovery Ventilators  (HRV’s) and the reduction in the incidence of important respiratory symptoms in children. For more information regarding the study please visit www.healthyairstudy.com

See the drop down link for HRV-ERV for information regarding suggested products to help you improve your indoor air quality.