Air Quality We Breathe At Home Or In The Workplace
Author: Peter McGarry
How would you rate the quality of air in your workplace? More importantly what
factors are you considering when rating it?
Your home or work environment may be causing you additional health risks
without you realizing it. On average, Canadians spend about 80-90 percent of
their time indoors, thus the quality of indoor air is very important. Ask
yourself a few questions:
Does fresh, outside air flow into the room or office you are usually in?
Is the room humid?
Are there any gas-fired appliances?
Is your furniture composed of particle board or wood laminents?
These questions need to be addressed when determining the quality of air in
our home or workplace. Here are the reasons why.
Does fresh, outside air flow into the room or office you are usually in?
Better insulation can save on heating costs, but it limits the amount of fresh
air that enters and leaves your house or office.As a lot of water vapour is
produced from normal human activities, fresh air is necessary to get rid of
this extra humidity.
Is the room humid?
Humid or damp conditions in your home can encourage the growth of mould and
dust mites. Mould can develop from too much humidity, building leaks,
refrigerator drip pans, bathroom surfaces and flooding. Mouldy smells from
carpet, wood and gypsum board are a sign that they harbour fungi. Stale water
in humidifiers and air conditioners can lead to the growth of bacteria and
fungi.
Are there any gas-fired appliances?
Typically, oven and pilot light emissions are not vented and can contribute
significantly to indoor levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and
formaldehyde. Of emerging interest as a potential source of indoor air
pollution is the wood burning stove. Since combustion is much less complete
with wood than with oil and gas furnaces, pollution emissions can be greater.
Though by-products should be vented to the outside, leaks and improper
operation of these appliances can cause emissions to the indoors. Kerosene
heaters are becoming increasingly popular for space heating. Since these
systems are often unvented, the potential for high level contamination exists.
Is your furniture composed of particle board or laminated wood?
Formaldehyde is released from laminated wood and particleboard in which
formaldehyde-containing resins have been used. Urea formaldehyde foam
insulation is a significant source of formaldehyde and possibly other gaseous
products. Insulating materials such as fibreglass can release particulate
matter to indoor air.
Health Risks
Illnesses caused by poor air quality range from skin irritation to sneezing
and asthma. In some cases, toxins from fungi can cause illness. Toxins in dust
can produce fever and flu-like symptoms, especially if the environment is
damp. Viruses can also be found in indoor air, but they do not usually lead to
illness. A virus does not survive long in air, and getting sick usually
results from contact with infected people.
Peter McGarry
info@magneticrevolution.com
For additional free information on health issues regarding air, water,
fitness, nutrition and sleep, please visit please visit http://www.magneticrevolution.com.
This site is a guide to improving your quality of life.
About The Author
I take an active role in my health and well-being. I created a site
http://www.magneticrevolution.com,
for others to read articles about everyday issues on air and water quality,
sleep, nutrition and fitness with the intention to create awareness for
improving our quality of life.
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- The popular anti-viral flu medication may have killed 12 children; the drug has also been linked to
seizures, loss of consciousness, and delirium.
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Asthma Attacks in Children
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