3 Red Flags That Indicate You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality

If people in your building start coughing, sneezing or have other breathing issues that don’t seem to relate to a health condition, it could be an air quality issue. Dust, pet dander, smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can trigger allergies, respiratory distress and even infections.

If the symptoms appear to follow a home remodeling project, it could be due to excessive dust or mold contamination.

1. Coughing and Sneezing

If someone in your household has been coughing or sneezing a lot, it could be a sign that your indoor air quality has dropped. This is especially true if the person has a pre-existing condition, such as asthma or allergies, that becomes aggravated by certain pollutants in your home.

Pollen, pet dander, volatile organic compounds and ozone are all common indoor pollutants that can cause allergies and asthma symptoms. These chemicals can also lead to other conditions like lung irritation and even cancer after prolonged exposure.

Both a cough and sneeze are the body’s natural mechanism to clear foreign particles or irritants from your respiratory system. A sneeze is an involuntary expulsion of air that can be triggered by many things, including irritants in the air, such as dust mites, cigarette smoke or sawdust from construction. A cough is an involuntary forceful expulsion of air that can be triggered when the lining of your throat or sinuses are irritated.

Allergies and asthma are both exacerbated by poor indoor air quality, and people with those diseases will notice the changes in air quality immediately. They may start experiencing breathing troubles, itchiness in the nose and eyes, fatigue and nausea. These issues are similar to those experienced with a mild flu or the common cold and can become a serious health problem if not addressed quickly.

2. Smelly Odors

Poor air quality can lead to a wide range of health effects. Some symptoms show up soon after exposure to contaminants while others can appear years later and may be debilitating or even fatal.

A musty odor can be a sign that your home has poor indoor air quality. This is because a musty smell often indicates that there are high concentrations of chemicals, mold, mildew, and other contaminants in the air.

The odor of these contaminants can also cause breathing problems, especially in people who have allergies or asthma. In addition to coughing and sneezing, these contaminants can lead to a variety of other health issues that include itchy eyes, nose, or throat; nausea; difficulty sleeping; fatigue; and headaches.

If you notice a musty odor in your home, it is a good idea to get your indoor air tested for pollutants, such as radon. Alternatively, you can look for signs that your home does not have enough ventilation. These include moisture condensation on windows and walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and cooling equipment, and areas where books, shoes, or other items become moldy.

3. Biological Growth

We know that the quality of air is important. We often experience symptoms when the air quality is poor, including headaches, fatigue, irritated eyes and throat and trouble concentrating. These symptoms may be similar to the flu, making it difficult to identify and pinpoint a cause.

A clear indicator of poor indoor air quality is if you notice that there is biological growth, like mold or mildew, inside your home. This is usually a result of high humidity levels and poor circulation. When mold and mildew grow, they release spores that can irritate the respiratory tract. The spores can also make asthma and allergies worse.

Biological growth should be treated by a professional to prevent the spores from spreading throughout your home and causing further problems. This is an indication that you need a dehumidifier and whole-home fan to keep the humidity at safe levels.

Most common indoor air pollutants can be controlled by changing habits and ensuring that the home has proper ventilation. It is important to check the ventilation in your home regularly, especially during warmer seasons. All fuel-burning appliances, such as stoves, water heaters and fireplaces should be properly vented to the outside. Also, be sure that odors, chemicals and dust are not being released into the air from office equipment or building materials.