5 Negative Health Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Here is a hot take you may have not even realized: your home may have bad indoor air. Even cooking with gas causes indoor air pollution.

It might seem scary, but here’s why you should care more about possible indoor air pollution. Here are five negative health impacts of poor indoor air quality.

1. Bodily Irritations

Bad indoor air quality is more likely to give you more irritations throughout your body. While this may not seem too bad, you need to consider your health.

You may find your lungs are irritated, in addition to your nose, eyes, and throat. This could be because some of the particulates in your indoor air are entering your body and causing irritation.

2. Dizziness

Dizziness may plague you more if you have poor indoor air quality. Indoor air pollution is not something to overlook because of the dizziness side effect.

It can make your head swim, and you may not feel you can think clearly either. This is why it is important to address poor indoor air quality before it is too late.

3. Worse Asthmatic Symptoms

Are you someone who has asthma? Your indoor air could contribute to worse asthmatic symptoms if that air is poor.

By keeping air ducts clean, you can keep your asthmatic symptoms under control. The lack of irritation from indoor air pollution and particulate matter will help you manage your symptoms.

4. More Susceptible to Viruses and Bacteria

With poor indoor air, you may find yourself more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. This is because increased humidity or other matters can result in the growth of mold or other unwelcome sights like bacteria, dust collection, and more.

Make sure you are keeping your home clean and change out air filters often if you have them. Check your systems regularly to avoid the growth of bacteria and other sources of health discomfort.

5. Respiratory Diseases (or Worse)

In worst-case scenarios, your exposure long term to bad indoor air quality can result in respiratory diseases. This includes lung disease and inflammation, heart disease, and even cancer.

Of course, this is all dependent on your own health. Are you at risk?

Who Is Most at Risk for Negative Health Effects?

The thing is, anyone is at risk for bad health effects because of poor indoor air quality and the amount of time people spend indoors. Those with pre-existing conditions or asthma are particularly at risk in any case.

Children may have more risk associated as well because of the amount of time they spend in schools. If the infrastructure of the school is old or lacks proper ventilation, it increases possible exposure to indoor air pollution.

Signs of Indoor Air Problems

If there is a lack of air movement, or the air feels stuffy, this is a probable sign of indoor air problems. Look at the heating and air conditioning systems as well to see if there is proper movement (and if they are clean) as well.

All in all, stay alert to the indoor air quality so you can avoid negative health effects. Looking for more home information? Check out the rest of our website!