A: Scientific evidence indicates the air within homes and other buildings can be two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air, and in some cases 1,000 times more polluted. Today people are spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, a great increase as opposed to twenty years ago. Thus, the “dose” (i.e. the concentration of pollutants multiplied by the time in that environment) is typically greater than outdoors. This results in a greater health risk due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.

A: Yes, individuals who spend the longest periods of time indoors are often those most susceptible to the adverse effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include babies, the elderly, the infirmed or bedridden and those with chronic illnesses such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

A: Two main items:

1. Pollutant sources: building materials and furnishings; biologicals; products for household cleaning, personal care or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; pesticides; oil, gas, kerosene, or wood combustion sources.
2. Poor ventilation: If too little outdoor air enters a building, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and discomfort problems. Indoor air quality began to decline in the 1970’s after the “energy crisis” prompted the building of “tight” houses and office buildings. Spaces around doors and windows where outside air might previously have leaked through are now often sealed by caulking and weather-stripping. The introduction of fresh “makeup” air through air handling systems many times is reduced or even eliminated to save the cost of the energy to heat or cool this fresh air. Indoor air pollutants can not easily escape these tightly constructed buildings.

A: Health effects can include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and allergy-type symptoms. Usually these symptoms are short term and disappear when the person is away from the source. More serious symptoms such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever can also affect some individuals after exposure to certain indoor air pollutants.

A: Better filtration, humidification, ultra violet lights and duct cleaning.

AA. The humidifier keeps the RH (relative humidity) at the proper levels in your home. You feel more comfortable and it keeps wood, furniture and other items from drying out in the winter heating season.