Discover the major sources of indoor air pollution lurking in your home, from asbestos and pet dander to radon and smoke. This guide explains how these pollutants affect respiratory health, aggravate allergies, and increase risks for serious illnesses. Learn effective ways to improve indoor air quality and protect your well-being. Tap here to learn more about the primary sources of indoor air pollution in homes.
This slide provides an overview of the importance of maintaining high-
quality indoor air and the strategies for improving it, setting the stage for
the rest of the presentation.
Breathing Easy:
Improving Indoor
Air Quality for
Healthier Living
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
Maintaining proper indoor air quality is crucial for the health
and well-being of building occupants, as exposure to indoor
pollutants can lead to various health issues.
Discover more at https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-
and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-
and-its-effects/
Importance of Good IAQ
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
ASBESTOS
Found in insulation, floor tiles, and textured paints in older homes.
Undisturbed asbestos is not dangerous, but renovations or damage can
release harmful fibers into the air, potentially leading to serious health issues
like lung cancer or mesothelioma.
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Pet dander, dust mites, mold, and viruses that can come from pets, plants, or
the air conditioning system. These can trigger allergies, asthma, and other
respiratory issues, making it crucial to keep the home clean and the air
system well-maintained.
BUILDING MATERIALS
Many materials used in home construction and decoration, such as pressed
wood products, can emit chemicals like formaldehyde. These emissions can
irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure might increase the
risk of more severe health problems.
SECONDHAND SMOKE
Also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), secondhand smoke
contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are harmful or even cancer-
causing. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand
smoke, which can lead to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis.
COMBUSTION APPLIANCES
Appliances like wood stoves, gas ranges, and unvented space heaters can
release dangerous pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
into the home. These gases can cause a range of health problems, especially
if the appliances aren't properly maintained or vented.
RADON
A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into the home through
cracks in floors and walls. It's invisible and odorless, but prolonged exposure
to high levels of radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing the home for
radon is an important step in ensuring a safe living environment.
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
Strategies for Improving Indoor Air Quality
HIGH-QUALITY AIR
FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Invest in HEPA filters that can
effectively remove airborne
particles like mold spores, pet
dander, and other pollutants.
HOUSEPLANTS
Use indoor plants like spider
plants, snake plants, and peace
lilies to filter pollutants and
emit oxygen.
HUMIDITY CONTROL
Maintain indoor humidity levels
between 30-50% to prevent
mold growth and reduce
biological contaminants.
LOW-EMISSION PRODUCTS
Choose low or no-VOC paints,
coatings, and cleaning supplies
to reduce the release of harmful
chemicals.
BY IMPLEMENTING THESE STRATEGIES, YOU CAN CREATE A HEALTHIER INDOOR ENVIRONMENT,
REDUCE HEALTH RISKS, AND INCREASE COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY LEVELS.
Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality
ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA
Exposure to indoor air
pollutants can trigger allergic
reactions and asthmatic
attacks, leading to respiratory
distress and discomfort.
RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Poor indoor air quality can
increase susceptibility to
respiratory infections like colds,
flu, and pneumonia, affecting
overall health.
HEADACHES, DIZZINESS,
AND FATIGUE
Exposure to various indoor air
pollutants can cause symptoms
like headaches, dizziness, and
fatigue, negatively impacting
productivity and quality of life.
SERIOUS MEDICAL
CONDITIONS
Long-term exposure to indoor
air pollutants can increase the
risk of developing severe
medical conditions, such as
lung cancer and heart disease.
BY ADDRESSING INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES, WE CAN CREATE HEALTHIER LIVING
ENVIRONMENTS AND REDUCE THE NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS ON BUILDING OCCUPANTS.
IAQ Regulations and Guidelines
EPA GUIDELINES
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) sets guidelines for indoor air
pollutants, including limits for volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), particulate
matter, and other contaminants.
COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
Regulatory bodies enforce compliance with IAQ standards through
building inspections, air quality testing, and penalties for non-
compliance to ensure healthier indoor environments.
WHO STANDARDS
The World Health Organization (WHO)
provides indoor air quality standards and
recommendations to help protect public
health, covering a wide range of pollutants
and their acceptable exposure levels.
GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES
Organizations like the EPA and WHO provide guidance and resources
to help businesses and building owners assess and improve their
indoor air quality to protect occupant health.
ASBESTOS REGULATIONS
The EPA and other agencies have strict
regulations around the handling, removal,
and disposal of asbestos, a hazardous
material commonly found in older
buildings.
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
□
Percentage increase in health risks from common indoor air pollutants
Health Impacts of Poor IAQ
75%
PARTICULATE MATTER
(PM2.5)
50%
RADON
45%
CARBON MONOXIDE
80%
MOLD AND BACTERIA
60%
VOLATILE ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS (VOCS)
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
7
quality indoor air and the strategies for improving it, setting the stage for
the rest of the presentation.
Breathing Easy:
Improving Indoor
Air Quality for
Healthier Living
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-and-its-effects/
Maintaining proper indoor air quality is crucial for the health
and well-being of building occupants, as exposure to indoor
pollutants can lead to various health issues.
Discover more at https://filterbuy.com/resources/health-
and-wellness/top-sources-indoor-air-pollution-at-home-
and-its-effects/
Importance of Good IAQ
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
ASBESTOS
Found in insulation, floor tiles, and textured paints in older homes.
Undisturbed asbestos is not dangerous, but renovations or damage can
release harmful fibers into the air, potentially leading to serious health issues
like lung cancer or mesothelioma.
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Pet dander, dust mites, mold, and viruses that can come from pets, plants, or
the air conditioning system. These can trigger allergies, asthma, and other
respiratory issues, making it crucial to keep the home clean and the air
system well-maintained.
BUILDING MATERIALS
Many materials used in home construction and decoration, such as pressed
wood products, can emit chemicals like formaldehyde. These emissions can
irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure might increase the
risk of more severe health problems.
SECONDHAND SMOKE
Also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), secondhand smoke
contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are harmful or even cancer-
causing. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand
smoke, which can lead to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis.
COMBUSTION APPLIANCES
Appliances like wood stoves, gas ranges, and unvented space heaters can
release dangerous pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
into the home. These gases can cause a range of health problems, especially
if the appliances aren't properly maintained or vented.
RADON
A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into the home through
cracks in floors and walls. It's invisible and odorless, but prolonged exposure
to high levels of radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing the home for
radon is an important step in ensuring a safe living environment.
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
Strategies for Improving Indoor Air Quality
HIGH-QUALITY AIR
FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Invest in HEPA filters that can
effectively remove airborne
particles like mold spores, pet
dander, and other pollutants.
HOUSEPLANTS
Use indoor plants like spider
plants, snake plants, and peace
lilies to filter pollutants and
emit oxygen.
HUMIDITY CONTROL
Maintain indoor humidity levels
between 30-50% to prevent
mold growth and reduce
biological contaminants.
LOW-EMISSION PRODUCTS
Choose low or no-VOC paints,
coatings, and cleaning supplies
to reduce the release of harmful
chemicals.
BY IMPLEMENTING THESE STRATEGIES, YOU CAN CREATE A HEALTHIER INDOOR ENVIRONMENT,
REDUCE HEALTH RISKS, AND INCREASE COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY LEVELS.
Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality
ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA
Exposure to indoor air
pollutants can trigger allergic
reactions and asthmatic
attacks, leading to respiratory
distress and discomfort.
RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Poor indoor air quality can
increase susceptibility to
respiratory infections like colds,
flu, and pneumonia, affecting
overall health.
HEADACHES, DIZZINESS,
AND FATIGUE
Exposure to various indoor air
pollutants can cause symptoms
like headaches, dizziness, and
fatigue, negatively impacting
productivity and quality of life.
SERIOUS MEDICAL
CONDITIONS
Long-term exposure to indoor
air pollutants can increase the
risk of developing severe
medical conditions, such as
lung cancer and heart disease.
BY ADDRESSING INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES, WE CAN CREATE HEALTHIER LIVING
ENVIRONMENTS AND REDUCE THE NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS ON BUILDING OCCUPANTS.
IAQ Regulations and Guidelines
EPA GUIDELINES
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) sets guidelines for indoor air
pollutants, including limits for volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), particulate
matter, and other contaminants.
COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
Regulatory bodies enforce compliance with IAQ standards through
building inspections, air quality testing, and penalties for non-
compliance to ensure healthier indoor environments.
WHO STANDARDS
The World Health Organization (WHO)
provides indoor air quality standards and
recommendations to help protect public
health, covering a wide range of pollutants
and their acceptable exposure levels.
GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES
Organizations like the EPA and WHO provide guidance and resources
to help businesses and building owners assess and improve their
indoor air quality to protect occupant health.
ASBESTOS REGULATIONS
The EPA and other agencies have strict
regulations around the handling, removal,
and disposal of asbestos, a hazardous
material commonly found in older
buildings.
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
□
Percentage increase in health risks from common indoor air pollutants
Health Impacts of Poor IAQ
75%
PARTICULATE MATTER
(PM2.5)
50%
RADON
45%
CARBON MONOXIDE
80%
MOLD AND BACTERIA
60%
VOLATILE ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS (VOCS)
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
7