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Indoor Air Quality, as its name suggests, is the quality of air in indoor environments. References to indoor air quality usually pertain to elements in the air that are hazardous to those living or working in a particular indoor setting. The presence of mold, harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide and radon, as well as a number of allergens are the most commonly observed culprits when observing indoor air quality. Asbestos, once a common
material used for insulation, is now known to be a harmful carcinogen. Each element of indoor air quality carries with it its set of health risks, so much precaution has been taken to avoid their occurrence indoors.
Mold has the potential to grow inside areas of a building or home with a lot of moisture and poor ventilation. This commonly occurs within walls and other areas made up of porous materials like wood, paper, and drywall. After mold has an abundant time to grow, it begins to release spores into the air. Those who are allergic to mold are most affected by this action, but its presence in the building can have a negative impact on all those who are present. To prevent the occurrence of mold, proper steps must be taken, including an attempt to dry out the areas of the building where the mold is growing.
The presence of carbon monoxide can be very dangerous within the confines of an enclosed space. This happens when heaters fail to effectively burn their fuel which may result in a leak. Second hand smoke is also a contributor to carbon monoxide in the building. At high levels, exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to a feeling of nausea and even result in death. Carbon monoxide inspection and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors are crucial in preventing this outcome.
Radon is another hazardous contributor to bad indoor air quality. Radon is radioactive and one of the most dangerous of the elements commonly found indoors. It comes from the decaying of uranium often found under building foundations and tends to linger at floor level indoors. The presence of radon indoors is believed to be responsible for tens of thousands of deaths due to lung cancer. Despite the danger of radon exposure, tests are seldom done to detect its existence in homes and buildings.
Asbestos was commonly used for insulation purposes up until 1975 when it was discovered to contain cancer causing materials. It was used in a number of products including ceiling and floor tiles, mastics, pipe wrap, and taping mud. Asbestos in a building does not pose a problem until these products become damaged over time by building renovations. Once this happens, asbestos fibers are released into the air and are breathed in by those working or living inside the building. These fibers can cause lung cancer in those with long term exposure to them, presenting a serious hazard for construction workers. Because of the risks related to asbestos, much precaution is taken when older buildings are being renovated.
