Health Concerns over Indoor Air Quality
Contrary to popular belief, indoor air quality (IAQ) is more than just controlling mold. While mold is indeed a problem, it’s not necessarily the only one or the biggest health threat in the home. In order to assess and remediate the problems it is necessary to consider all types of potential indoor air pollution.
Health effects from indoor air pollution vary greatly, depending on the types of pollution present, the concentration of each pollutant, and the relative susceptibility of the person. Some affects are acute such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, headaches; while others are chronic such as cancer, heart disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and others.
The Asthma Epidemic
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by sudden, acute attacks. During these attacks, the air passages in the lungs constrict resulting in difficulty breathing that can be life threatening. Attacks are often brought on by certain airborne triggers. Asthma prevalence in children has been on a steep rise since 1980. It has increased more than 70% from 1982 to 1994 and by 2000, asthma was the leading chronic illness in children. Asthma deaths in children have increased to 1500 per year. It’s now the third-ranked cause of hospitalization of children.
Allergies
The purpose of the human immune system is to seek and destroy things that are not part of our body. An allergic reaction takes place when the immune system overreacts and produces various chemicals in an effort to eliminate the contaminant. These chemicals are called histamines and are naturally produced during strong allergic reactions. Anti-histamines are drugs designed to reduce the body’s over-production of histamines.
There are many causes of allergies including animal dander, food products, chemicals, plants, and many other natural and man-made materials. Potentially, anyone can have an allergic reaction to a variety of stimulants. Allergies can also develop or disappear at any age.
Toxigenic Reactions
Toxins are poisonous substances that are the products of metabolic activities of a living organism like mold or bacteria. They are usually unstable, and when introduced into the body’s tissues cause a reaction that induces antibody formation. The symptoms of a toxigenic reaction may include irritation or respiratory problems. Some toxins are released when the organism dies, so it’s important to have a method to eliminate the organism, not just kill it.
Pathogenic Reactions
The common name for a pathogenic reaction is an infection. Pathogens (like bacteria) can cause serious illnesses or diseases. Common pathogenic reactions that are associated with air quality include Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever and various bronchial diseases.