In Florida, where we utilize air conditioning to cool occupants and de-humidify the air, builders are encouraged to build tight homes. Many people assume that energy efficient homes that are tightly built are more likely to increase indoor air pollution than homes that are deliberately leaky. However, properly designed and maintained homes reduce the likelihood that pollutants will enter the home and they are able to remove the pollutants (moisture, cooking odors, etc.) that enter by using controlled ventilation. The problem with a "leaky" home is that you have no way to control the air that enters through the cracks and spaces.
What are the pollutants?
Contaminants can come from inside the building or can be drawn into the building from outside. They can include vehicle exhaust, mold/dust/pollen, unsanitary debris, emissions from equipment and products, radon or microbial growth as a result of moisture or excess water.
Many activities can also contribute to polluting the indoor air: from smoking to utilizing fragranced products (cosmetics, supplies, deodorizers, etc.) to housecleaning (chemicals used to clean, dust and shine) or to maintenance activities (painting, caulking, pesticides). Pollutants can also come from the building components and furnishings themselves or through unsanitary conditions or water damage.
Is IAQ really an issue?
According to a study by the US EPA, people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. The effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) are often non-specific symptoms rather than clearly defined illnesses. Symptoms commonly attributed to IAQ problems include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, sinus congestion, cough, sneezing, eye/nose/throat/skin irritation, dizziness and nausea.
Unfortunately, indoor air quality is not a simple, easily defined concept like a leaky faucet. It is difficult to relate complaints of specific health effects to exposures to specific pollutant concentrations. One problem is that indoor air often contains a variety of contaminants and may be at concentrations that are far below any standards or guidelines for exposure.
Another factor to consider is there are some groups who are particularly vulnerable to specific exposures. For example, children exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke have shown higher incidences of respiratory illnesses. Someone who has heart disease may be more affected by lower levels of exposure to carbon monoxide than healthy people exposed to the same levels. Because of differing sensitivities, one person may have a reaction to a pollutant, while others feel no effects. To make matters even more complex, a pollutant can trigger dissimilar reactions in different people.
The goal is to prevent indoor air quality problems and resolve problems immediately if they do arise. Remember, the expense and effort required to prevent most IAQ problems is much less than the expense and effort required in resolving problems after they develop. For more information on IAQ and housing-related issues, contact Katherine Allen at the UF/IFAS Extension office in Suwannee County at (386) 362-2771. UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Ask about our upcoming homebuyer classes and our well and septic maintenance classes.
Four tips in finding solutions for your indoor air quality issue
Source: Identify and prevent the source of the pollutant. If you can eliminate the source, your problem is solved! (With the exception of remediation or clean up of the existing contamination.) It can be indoors, outdoors or in the mechanical systems.
Pathway: This is what connects the pollutant to the occupant. Typically, a driving force is needed to move it along the pathway (fan, pressure, wind, etc.) Are there leaks in the ductwork?
Occupants: Who is affected? Is there more than one person? What symptoms are they experiencing? Are they experiencing the same or similar symptoms? Do the symptoms go away when they leave the building? Are they contact lens wearers? Do they have respiratory diseases, asthma, allergies or other immuno-compromising illnesses? Symptom information is useful for identifying the timing and conditions under which problems occur.
HVAC: Is the air conditioning system able to control contaminants? Is it able to ensure the proper temperature? Is it able to control humidity levels