How to Improve IAQ for People with A Respiratory Disorder?

Why Need to Pay Attention to IAQ?

1. Health Concerns: Poor indoor air quality can have significant health implications. Indoor air pollutants such as dust, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and allergens can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies, and may also cause headaches, fatigue, and other health problems.

2. Productivity and Comfort: Good indoor air quality contributes to a comfortable and productive indoor environment. Proper ventilation, humidity control, and filtration can help improve productivity and well-being.

3. Safety: Certain indoor air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and radon, can pose serious safety risks. Monitoring and addressing these pollutants are essential for ensuring the safety of occupants and preventing potential health hazards.

4. Building Longevity: Poor indoor air quality can also affect the longevity of building materials and equipment. Excessive humidity levels, for example, can promote mold growth and structural damage, while corrosive gases may degrade HVAC systems and other components over time.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Many jurisdictions have regulations and standards in place to ensure adequate indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings. Compliance with these regulations not only helps protect occupants' health but also reduces the risk of legal liabilities for building owners and managers.

6. Environmental Impact: Indoor air quality can also have environmental implications. Energy-efficient buildings with tight envelopes may have limited natural ventilation, leading to potential indoor air quality issues if not properly managed. Implementing sustainable practices such as using low-emission building materials and energy-efficient ventilation systems can help reduce environmental impact while maintaining indoor air quality.

Almost 90% of our time is spent indoors and almost70% in our homes. Paying attention to indoor air quality is essential for safeguarding occupants' health, promoting comfort and productivity, ensuring safety and compliance, preserving building integrity, and minimizing environmental impact.

How to Improve IAQ?

1. Increase Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation throughout the building to dilute indoor pollutants and bring in fresh outdoor air. Use exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas prone to moisture and pollutants. Consider opening windows when weather permits to allow for natural ventilation.

2. Use Air Purifiers: Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or air purifiers to remove airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Choose air purifiers with activated carbon filters to absorb odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

3. Control Humidity: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth, dust mites, and other moisture-related issues. Use whole house dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces, and use humidifiers in dry climates to add moisture when necessary. Besides, a fresh air dehumidifier can be connected with the HVAC system and increase the speed of air circulation.

4. Regular Cleaning: Keep indoor surfaces clean and free of dust, pet hair, and other allergens by vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner and using microfiber cloths for dusting. Wash bedding, curtains, and upholstery regularly to reduce allergen buildup.

5. Address Sources of Pollution: Identify and address sources of indoor air pollutants such as tobacco smoke, household chemicals, and gas appliances. Encourage smoking outdoors, use non-toxic cleaning products, and properly vent gas stoves and heaters to the outside.

6. Maintain HVAC Systems: Regularly inspect and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they operate efficiently and provide adequate ventilation. Change air filters according to manufacturer recommendations and schedule professional HVAC inspections and cleanings.

7. Ventilate Combustion Appliances: Ensure proper ventilation for gas appliances such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters to prevent the buildup of combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide. Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in areas with gas appliances.

8. Reduce VOCs: Choose low-VOC or VOC-free products for building materials, furniture, paints, and household cleaners to minimize indoor air pollution. Allow new furnishings and building materials to off-gas in well-ventilated areas before bringing them indoors.

9. Promote Green Spaces: Incorporate indoor plants into your living or workspace to naturally filter air pollutants and improve overall air quality. Choose plants known for their air-purifying properties, such as peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants.

10. Educate Occupants: Educate building occupants about the importance of IAQ and encourage behaviors that promote cleaner indoor air, such as proper ventilation practices, smoking cessation, and regular cleaning routines.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively improve indoor air quality and create a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Regular monitoring and maintenance are key to ensuring continued IAQ improvements over time.