Why Indoor Air Quality is so Important
Posted in Air Quality, on August 04, 2020
What is air quality testing in Toronto and why is it so important? Many people don’t realize how poor indoor air quality can negatively affect their health and wellness. Unless there’s a funny smell or a significant difference in temperature and air quality, testing the air around us isn’t always a priority, but it should be. Here are a few reasons why indoor air quality should be taken seriously.
What is Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Forest fire smoke, car exhaust, and smog days are common enough news items that we’re all aware of outdoor air pollution, but it’s actually indoor air quality that may have a greater effect on our health. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4.3 million people die each year from health issues related to indoor air quality.
Poor indoor air quality occurs when our indoor living and working areas are affected by natural or man-made pollutants. This can include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Asbestos
- Mold
- Carbon monoxide
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Formaldehyde
- Radon gas
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Indoor air quality affects every part of the body. Poor indoor air quality can affect your skin, eyes, nose, and hair, as well as your respiratory system and gut. Indoor pollution has been linked to poor sleep, decreased immunity, and even cognitive and emotional issues.
What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?
There are many reasons that our homes can have poor air quality. It may be environmental, if your home is located near a major road/highway, near an industrial area, or in a microclimate that encourages problems like mold growth. Or it may be caused by human activity: you’ve recently renovated, there is heavy chemical use, your home is very humid, there is a problem with an appliance, or your home may be old and contaminated. The best way to determine what affects your home is by a professional indoor air quality test in Toronto.
How to Test Indoor Air Quality
At SafeAir, we have over a decade of experience testing the air quality of homes in Toronto and the GTA. Our sensitive equipment, non-invasive tests, and samples are paired with a thorough visual and physical inspection. These details are compared against laboratory-tested samples to help determine what the source of your indoor air quality issues may be, and how best to solve them.
How to Prevent Poor Air Quality
The air that we breathe is incredibly important to how we live, work, and play. While prevention is the best method to ensure a clean and healthy home environment, indoor air quality testing in Toronto can help you determine where your home needs attention and give you concrete ways to improve it. Changing habits or making small adjustments to your routine can often have a big effect on indoor air quality and the way you feel. For more information on indoor air quality testing in Toronto, give SafeAir a call at 416-414-5690!