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What Factors Contribute to Indoor Air Pollution?

Though it's not often recognized as a major health concern, indoor air pollution can actually increase an individual's risk of getting sick. With Americans spending more of their time inside, the cleanliness of the indoor environment is quickly becoming more important. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutant levels can often be higher than those found outside. There are many factors that contribute to indoor air pollution, and knowing the causes can help minimize the level of contamination within a building.

  1. Outdoor Pollutants

    • Pollutants can originate from a variety of outside places and make their way inside. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outside air containing pollen, contaminants from nearby industrial sites, dust, radon, pesticides, emissions from vehicles and exhaust from other buildings can seep into the building and cause contamination. Occasionally these pollutants can enter through the HVAC system, cracks and other unsealed areas. These chemical and biological pollutants can cause allergic reactions in many individuals.

    Equipment and Supplies

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, office supplies containing solvents, ammonia and other volatile organic compounds can cause contamination. Equipment that is used on a daily basis such as copiers, printers and computers can give off harmful toxins as well. Without a proper ventilation system in place, the equipment and supplies that are used on a daily basis in an office can become a health hazard. The Department of Health and Human Services in North Carolina says that household items such as hobby supplies, fabric additives and dry-cleaned clothing can also contribute to indoor air pollution.

    Human Origin

    • Human activity causes a large amount of the air pollution found inside. Accidental spills left unattended breed bacterial growth, and chemicals from general housekeeping and maintenance stay in the air without proper ventilation. New paint, new furniture and remodeling can also contaminate the air. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even human activities such as smoking, cooking or simply using perfume can leave pollutants floating around.

    Unsanitary Environment

    • Unsanitary conditions left unattended in buildings can cause a variety of microbiological growth and leave pollutants in the air. This includes unattended water damage from flooding, standing water, condensation and sewer gas from dry traps. Take care of any unsanitary conditions immediately. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services states that moisture problems in the home can also cause health problems such as asthma, allergies and other respiratory infections.

    Poor Ventilation

    • Many buildings do not have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, otherwise known as an HVAC system, which meets the building's specific needs. An HVAC system includes all the equipment used to properly filter the air while heating or cooling. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends adjusting the HVAC system according to the number of people and the purpose of the building. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a properly functioning HVAC system should remove contaminants through filtration, exhaust fans and pressure control while distributing a sufficient quantity of air to all areas at a comfortable temperature. Make sure your home has a proper ventilation system and change air filters on a regular basis to prevent allergens from entering.

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