The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental health risks. Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, headaches, and fatigue. Keep reading to learn more about the health hazards of poor air quality indoors.
Allergies
One of the most common health concerns in the United States is allergies. Allergies are caused by an immune system reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust. Symptoms can include sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, and a sore throat. Many people believe that allergies are only a problem outdoors, but poor air quality indoors can actually cause or worsen allergies. Pollutants such as smoke, dust, and pet dander can all trigger an allergic reaction. If you suffer from allergies, it is important to take steps to improve the air quality in your home. You can do this by removing allergens from your environment, using a HEPA air filter, and keeping your home clean and clutter-free.
Asthma and Bronchitis
Poor air quality indoors can lead to a number of health problems, including asthma and bronchitis. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs. Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing, chest congestion, and shortness of breath. Both asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by polluted air. Pollutants such as smoke, dust, and chemical fumes can irritate the lungs and trigger an asthma attack or bronchitis flare-up. Poor ventilation can also lead to a buildup of pollutants in the air, which can cause health problems. If you are experiencing symptoms of asthma or bronchitis, it is important to get indoor air quality tested. A qualified HVAC contractor can perform a home inspection to identify any problems with your ventilation system and recommend solutions.
Headaches
One of the main ways that polluted air indoors causes headaches is by triggering allergic reactions. When you are exposed to allergens such as dust, smoke, or pet dander, your body can release histamines in response. These histamines can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, congestion, and sneezing. Polluted air indoors can also cause headaches by triggering migraines. Migraines are a type of headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Studies have shown that polluted air indoors can trigger migraines in some people, likely due to the release of pollutants into the air.
Fatigue
There are many reasons why polluted air indoors can cause fatigue and drowsiness. One of the most common reasons is that when the air quality is poor, it can actually cause you to breathe more heavily. This increased breathing can lead to a feeling of tiredness and drowsiness. Additionally, polluted air indoors can also cause a number of respiratory problems, which can also lead to tiredness and drowsiness. Finally, when the air quality is poor, it can also lead to a number of allergies and other sensitivities, which can cause tiredness and drowsiness.
Nausea
Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of health problems, including nausea. The gases, fumes, and particles in the air can irritate your lungs and throat, making it difficult to breathe. This can lead to a feeling of nausea, as well as other respiratory problems. The pollutants in indoor air can also affect your eyes, causing them to itch and water. This can lead to a feeling of nausea, as well as eye irritation and other vision problems. The chemicals and particles in indoor air can also affect your stomach, causing nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
The health hazards of poor indoor air quality are considerable and can cause a wide variety of health problems. These problems can be acute, such as respiratory infections, or chronic, such as asthma or cancer. Altogether, these health problems can have a significant impact on quality of life.
