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Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants

by Darcy G Provost, Kelowna

Most Canadians spend about 90% of their time indoors. Indoor air often contains higher concentrations of hazardous pollutants than outdoor air. Common symptoms of exposure to indoor air pollutants include fatigue, headaches, nausea, scratchy throat, and nasal irriation. These symptoms are often mistaken for Flu or Cold symptoms.

There are three types of pollutants that affect Indoor Air Quality. They are particulates, volatile organic compounds and bioaerosols. When these pollutants reach elevated levels in our indoor air environment peoples reactions can be severe. Everyone should know what these levels are in their workplace as well as their homes. Testing is the only way to get this information. You can go to our website for more information on these three types of pollutants and more.
 

Asthma is a common, chronic condition affecting the airways of the lungs. In Canada 12% of children and
8% of adults have asthma, which is approximately 2.5 million Canadians. Sensitive airways easily become
narrowed as a result of certain factors called triggers. Airway narrowing makes it difficult for air to
move in and out of the lungs. This is when the symptoms of asthma appear,
including shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.

 
In Canada, asthma is one of the most common causes of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and unscheduled doctor visits. It is also a leading cause of school and work absenteeism. There are approximately 400 Canadians that die each year from poorly controlled asthma.
 
Asthma is only one of many chronic conditions that have been linked to poor Indoor Air Quality. The increasing awareness of poor IAQ is growing each and every day as people seek out ways to have a safe healthy living environment.
 
Whether it's through the building's air exchange system or simply by opening a window, pollutants will enter your home or business with the outdoor air.These pollutants add to those existing inside already, such as:
  • Dust
  • Chemicals off - gassed from furniture, carpet and paint
  • Particulates from burning candles
  • Chemicals from cleaning products and hair products
  • Fumes from gas appliances

There are many sources of contaminants in the home environment, and with increasing energy costs, homes have been made more air tight, allowing these contaminants to build up.  A partial list of contaminants includes:

  •            > dust                                          > dust mites 
  •             > solvents                                   > formaldehyde
  •             > perfumes                                 > tobacco smoke
  •             > moulds                                     > bacteria and viruses
  •             > combustion products             > outside air pollution
  •             > radon                                        > animal dander 


Contaminants and particulates in indoor air - such as those produced from the above lists - can trigger allergies and asthma. They can also directly affect energy levels and quality of sleep.

Written by Darcy G Provost, Kelowna



Fresh Air Spaces, PH:250-769-2891, FAX:250-769-2808 www.freshairspaces.com

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Fresh Air Spaces serves Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Westbank, Penticton, and Oliver in British Columbia Canada. We will also serve some outlining areas per request.