10 Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Many of us may think that we’re safe from pollution by staying indoors, but in truth, fresh and clean air is not guaranteed regardless of where we are. We just have more control over our indoor air quality than we do outdoors.

When it comes to wellness, diet, exercise, and sleep may be the first things that come to mind. However, we must also remember that indoor air quality is just as important. Poor indoor air quality due to airborne contaminants such as mould, dust, bacteria, toxins, smoke, and other allergens puts us at a high risk for chronic health conditions.

Adams Care helps boost indoor air quality with sanitization services as well as specialised services like mould remediation and post-construction cleaning. Here are 10 signs of poor indoor air quality our expert team can help detect and solve.

10 Indicators of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality does not support healthy and safe living environments. To help you prevent the negative impacts of airborne contaminants, we’ve noted 10 indicators you need to watch out for.

1. Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are often the first manifestations of poor indoor air quality. Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat, skin rashes and irritations, and inflammation. We advise you to observe if you’ve been experiencing any of the listed occurrences around certain areas and furniture in your home or office.

Airborne contaminants such as pollen, pet dander and fur, smoke, dirt and other allergens can trigger us to sneeze or have a stuffy nose when inhaled. They can also make us itch when in contact with our eyes or skin.

2. Respiratory Issues

Poor indoor air quality affects breathing comfort and may lead to respiratory issues such as asthma attacks, cough, wheezing, and chest congestion. This is because high concentrations of certain small particles can cause blockages in our airways and pollute our lungs.

Difficulty breathing is another obvious indicator of poor indoor air quality. Healthy living environments enable you to freely inhale and fully exhale. You may want to consider getting an air purifier with HEPA filters to help capture harmful particles in the air.

3. Headaches and Dizziness

Airborne irritants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, and fumes among others can cause inflamed or congested sinuses leading to headaches, migraines, and dizziness. This general discomfort is due to the increased pressure we feel in our heads.

Note that headaches and dizziness are common responses to carbon monoxide exposure. Be wary of heating systems in your house such as gas-fueled appliances, fireplaces, and candles.

4. Trouble Sleeping and Fatigue

Trouble sleeping and fatigue are often experienced together and can be attributed to poor indoor air quality. Airborne irritants can jolt you awake by sneezing or cause you to be restless, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Feelings of fatigue come as a result of shallow sleep and insufficient rest.

Poor indoor air quality can make it hard for us to breathe deeply which means our bodies may lack the oxygen needed to function properly. Airborne pollutants contribute to unnecessary strain on our focus, productivity, and sleep-wake cycles.

5. Dust Accumulation

It is normal for homes, offices, and furniture to get dusty or dirty. However, poor indoor air quality can be to blame if you notice unusually thick layers of dust and debris on surfaces, no matter how much you wipe them. Take that as a sign there are high numbers of pollutants lingering in the air.

To confirm the source of dust accumulation, you can hire professionals to inspect your ventilation and cooling systems. Sometimes it can be as simple as getting your AC ducts cleaned, air filters replaced, or just having the appropriate window and door treatments.

6. High Utility Bills

Poor indoor air quality can also give rise to high energy and utility bills. For instance, the efficiency of air conditioning units can deteriorate when their motors are overworked to reach the desired temperature. The presence of airborne pollutants can make parts and components of appliances prone to rust, clogs, and leaks

Poor indoor air quality can be a cause for concern if you’ve been needing AC services more frequently to fix cooling issues, and repair or replace parts. Since air conditioning units are known to have complex systems, their maintenance is best left to dependable pros.

7. Unpleasant Odours

Fresh and clean air is meant to be odourless and completely invisible. If you’ve been observing persistent musty smells, chemical fumes, or hazes of smog, then you’re most likely been dealing with poor indoor air quality.

Musty smells are often early indicators of mould and mildew in the air. Chemical fumes can then signal toxins or VOCs emitted from cleaning products, paint, and even furnishings. You can instantly improve indoor air quality by opening windows, but we’d always encourage you to find the root of the problem and fix it before it causes further damage and inconvenience.

8. High Humidity

High levels of humidity cultivate an uncomfortably warm and moist environment which enables bacteria, mould, and insects to breed and thrive. When the humidity in your space exceeds 30 to 50 per cent, you increase the likelihood of having poor indoor air quality. An air dehumidifier may be of great help in naturally humid climates such as in Dubai.

You can reduce levels of humidity by keeping surfaces dry, making it a point to have a plumber fix leaks that cause pooling water and liquid damage like rotting wood. High humidity can also be a sign to have your AC unit cleaned or switch out air filters in appliances such as air purifiers and/or dehumidifiers, vacuum cleaners and the like.

9. Noticeable Hot or Cold Spots

Noticeable hot or cold spots in your home or office space indicate poor indoor air quality due to ineffective ventilation and air circulation. Hot spots are areas where there you don’t feel a breeze or the air is stale and stiff. On the other hand, cold spots are where you see condensation or liquid droplets on glass or smooth surfaces.

You can avoid hot and cool spots by consulting expert tradesmen regarding the optimal placement of cooling systems before installing them. They’ll surely be able to factor in the needs of your space based on its layout and the direction your home or office is facing. Adding a ceiling fan to help circulate air in living spaces and an exhaust fan to draw out hot air in kitchens and bathrooms are worth considering to improve indoor air quality.

10. Mould or Mildew Growth

Apparent mould and mildew growth on wall interiors, pipes, and ceilings are some of the worst effects of poor indoor air quality. Apart from being detrimental to health, mould and mildew are unsightly, reek of a musty scent, and compromise the integrity of your furniture, and home or office structure.

Mould and mildew growth is an unfortunate occurrence because they don’t go away on their own. To make matters worse, mould spores spread through the air and leach onto any tangible object when ignored and left unattended. The good news is that there are mould remediation services available that can help you identify the type of mould, pinpoint the source, and repair the damage.

Final Thoughts on Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality has negative effects on overall health and well-being. Prolonged exposure to airborne contaminants can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. Moreover, poor indoor air quality can contribute to costly repairs of appliances and building structures.

To ensure peace of mind and safe living environments, prioritise maintaining healthy indoor air quality. You can achieve this by keeping your spaces clean and sanitised, and having appliances regularly inspected and serviced.