Indoor Air Quality in Oakland County, MI

The average American spends about 90% of their time indoors where pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outside contaminants. Often the most vulnerable to the effects of poor indoor air quality, such as the elderly, the very young or those with compromised respiratory or cardiovascular systems, spend even more time indoors.

Adverse effects from poor indoor air quality (IAQ) rank as one of the top 10 issues affecting overall health. Poor IAQ can be caused by outdoor sources through open doors and windows. Some of the indoor and outdoor pollutants are:

• Tobacco smoke
• Carbon monoxide caused by gas furnaces & fireplaces
• Natural substances such as radon, pet dander & mold
• Volatile organic compounds emitted from furnishings & carpets
• Improper indoor ventilation
• Improper indoor humidity level

Some immediate effects of poor IAQ are red, itching or watery eyes, nose and throat irritations, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. There are also severe debilitating, and sometimes fatal, long-term effects such as respiratory diseases, heart disease and certain cancers.

Since we spent much of our time indoors, it’s critical for the residents of Oakland County, MI that their home’s indoor air quality be the best it can be to protect their overall health and maximize the efficiency and optimum performance of their home comfort systems.

There is also new research to show that poor IAQ can adversely affect performance and productivity. With more Americans working from home, this is an added concern.