Acceptable Indoor Air Quality – What is Acceptable?

What Is Acceptable Indoor Air Quality?

Exactly what can be considered to be acceptable indoor air quality?

One thing is for certain; the air inside the average home is not likely to be of acceptable quality. Homeowners often assume that poor indoor air quality is caused by mold in older homes, so they feel that if they have a newer home there is nothing to worry about. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The fact is, mold can appear just as easily in a new home if the right conditions are present, and mold is not the only contaminant that can threaten acceptable indoor air quality.

There are several types of contaminants that can be present in the air of your home, and many of them can only be detected by using a special kit or testing equipment. The question of what exactly is acceptable indoor air quality is one that depends on the individual as well.

For example, for people who suffer from allergies, acceptable indoor air quality would be different from people who do not. On the other hand, when it comes to dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide or radon, acceptable levels are the same for everybody. Particles such as lead or other heavy metals are harmful to everyone, as are chemicals and pesticides.

All of these substances can find their way into the air inside your home, where they can accumulate to dangerous levels if proper ventilation is not being used.

How can you improve the quality of your indoor air? One way is to make sure that the home is well ventilated. Using fans, central air systems or open windows during summertime helps keep a home well ventilated, but winter is the time when indoor air quality is typically at its worst. It’s harder to ventilate a home during cold weather, especially if you don’t have a central air system.

It’s usually a good idea to test your indoor air quality to find out what pollutants are present and in what concentrations. Sometimes the solution is as simple as a little extra ventilation, but in other cases you have to find the source of the contamination and eliminate it.

Old carpeting can be a major source of dust, germs, mold, pet dander and other allergens, all of which will contaminate the air. Vacuuming isn’t enough because over time these particles settle into the underlay where the vacuum can’t get them. It’s best to remove old carpeting and dispose of it if you think it is the source of the problem.

Another flooring item that is hazardous to your health is asbestos tiling. Many years ago, floor tiles were commonly made with asbestos, before we realized how harmful asbestos was. An older home may still contain this type of flooring, and it should always be removed and disposed of, not just covered up.

Radon gas enters homes through cracks in basement floors and foundations, or through improperly sealed drains and sump pumps. If proper ventilation is not used, this radioactive gas can accumulate to dangerous levels. Radon is a known cause of lung cancer. Protect your family from radon by ventilating basements and sealing any cracks and holes in the concrete.