Better Indoor Air Quality for Flowers

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the way in which the air inside the home or workplace affects a person's overall health and comfort. Poor IAQ can cause breathing trouble, create problems with concentration, or even contribute to long-term diseases. Indoor air pollution can result from many sources - from additives like formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead, to radon, mold, and carbon monoxide. Keep reading to learn more about how to evaluate the air quality in your home, workplace, and school.

Common Pollutants

Some of the most common culprits for poor IAQ are radon, lead, mold, and asbestos. Lead-based paint and asbestos (a common building material) were both frequently used before 1978. If you live in an older home, it is a good idea to test for these two substances. Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that causes cancer. It is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Mold is a common cause of poor IAQ because it often goes undetected.

Radon Fact Sheet
Lead-Based Paint Safety
Indoor Air Pollutants - Radon
Molds in the Environment
Healthy Homes: Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality: Asbestos
Overview of Indoor Air Quality
How Indoor Air Pollution Works

Warning Signs and Common Sources

If your home is affected by any of these substances, there are many warning signs that to be aware of that will help you take control of the situation. Breathing trouble like asthma symptoms, increased allergies, or new leaks/water damage are all reasons to become concerned about possible indoor pollutants. Sudden headaches, fatigue, congestion, nausea, or dizziness are also warning signs that shouldn't be ignored. The links below are a great start to help you learn about how to detect a potential problem and where to look for possible contamination.

5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Biological Pollutants In Your Home
Indoor Air Quality Checklist & Information
10 Warning Signs to Contact A Testing Expert
Moisture Control
Indoor Air Quality and Asthma
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) In Your Home

Remedies for the Home

There are many easy ways to improve the IAQ of your home. Frequently vacuuming and dusting is a great way to keep common contaminants like dust, dirt, and pet hair out of the air. It is important to turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom in order to keep toxic fumes out of the home. You should also choose low VOC paint and avoid harsh cleaning products whenever possible.Â

Healthy Air At Home - Resources
Care For Your Air: A Guide To Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality: Ways To Improve Indoor Air
Using Houseplants to Clean Indoor Air
Clean Up Your Bedroom: Air Quality and Sleeping
Mold Control: Tips For Identifying And Eliminating Household Mold And Moisture Problems

Remedies for the Office

Most people spend 40 hours a week or more at work, so it's important to maintain a healthy environment at the office. Ensuring the space has been mopped, vacuumed, and dusted regularly is the first step to creating a healthy work environment. Using a dehumidifier or keeping the air conditioner set to a low temperature is another way to keep allergens at bay-mold and other contaminants love lots of humidity. Using natural cleaning products, opening windows, and avoiding air fresheners are more great steps to keep the workplace air as clean as possible.

Tips For Improving the Air Quality In Your Office Building
A Toolkit For Improving Indoor Air Quality In Office Workplaces
Indoor Air Quality At Work
A Business Argument for Good Ventilation
Plants Help Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

Remedies for Schools

Children spend most of their time at school, so it's extremely important for them to breathe clean air. Schools with excellent IAQ have been shown to produce students who have better concentration and overall health. As a parent, keep an eye on your child and take notice if he or she develops any new respiratory problems (or if asthma or allergies suddenly get worse). Keep an open dialogue with school administrators about the IAQ of the school and voice any concerns about ventilation or current remodeling.