Ensuring good indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. Poor IAQ can lead to various health issues, making it essential to regularly monitor and improve the air quality in your home. This guide will help you understand how to test the air quality in your home effectively.
What is Indoor Air?
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) defines indoor air as air within a building occupied for at least one hour by people of varying states of health. This can include the office, classroom, transport facility, shopping centre, hospital and home. Indoor air quality can be defined as the totality of attributes of indoor air that affect a person's health and well being.
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/a...
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside buildings, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of occupants. It encompasses various factors such as the presence of pollutants, humidity levels, temperature, and ventilation.
Good IAQ means the air inside is clean, free from harmful pollutants like dust, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants that can affect health or comfort. Poor IAQ can lead to discomfort, respiratory issues, allergies, or exacerbate existing health conditions.
Why is indoor air quality important?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is critically important due to its direct impact on human health and well-being. Here are key reasons why IAQ matters:
1. Health Impact: Poor IAQ can lead to a variety of health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and even cancer. This is particularly concerning given that Australians spend 90% or more of their time indoors, where indoor air pollution can sometimes exceed outdoor pollution levels.
2. Economic Impact: The CSIRO estimates that poor IAQ in Australia could cost as much as $12 billion annually. This includes healthcare costs related to treating illnesses exacerbated by poor air quality, as well as productivity losses due to absenteeism and reduced performance.
3. Exceeding Safety Limits: Surprisingly, indoor air pollution levels in Australia exceeds outdoor air quality standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A recent news of Dyson’s project on Global Air Quality Connected Data shows Australia's indoor levels of particle pollution reached a high of 8.31μg/m³ in July, surpassing the WHO standard of 5μg/m³, with indoor pollution levels double outdoor levels in some months.
This highlights that indoor environments can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor spaces, emphasizing the need for effective indoor air management.
4. Global Concern: IAQ is not just an issue in Australia but a global concern. Studies highlight that indoor air pollution ranks among the top environmental risks to public health worldwide. The significant number of deaths attributed to indoor air pollution underscores its severity as a public health issue.
What impacts the quality of your home’s air?
Air is a mixture of gases and small particles. Indoor air can contain synthetic and naturally occurring substances – pollutants or allergens – that may affect health.
Whether a source of indoor air pollution is a problem or not for health and wellbeing depends on:
- the type of air pollutant (or allergen)
- the amount and rate at which it is released from its source
- the degree of available ventilation to remove it from indoors (Department of Environment and Energy, 2012).
Common sources of indoor air pollutants involve:
- Human activities within buildings, such as smoking, burning solid fuels, cooking, and cleaning.
- Vapors from building and construction materials, equipment, and furniture.
- Biological contaminants, such as mold, viruses, or allergens.
Some contaminants are described below:
- Allergens are substances that can trigger the immune system, causing an allergic reaction; they can circulate in air and remain on carpets and furniture for months.
- Asbestos is a fibrous material formerly used for making incombustible or fireproof building materials, such as roof shingles, siding, and insulation. Disturbing asbestos minerals or asbestos-containing materials can release fibers, often too small to see, into the air. Asbestos is known to be a human carcinogen.
- Carbon monoxide is an odorless and toxic gas. It is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. Proper venting or exhaust systems prevent build up in the air.
- Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling chemical found in some pressed wood furniture, wood particle cabinets, flooring, carpets, and fabrics. It can also be a component of some glues, adhesives, paints, and coating products. Formaldehyde is known to be a human carcinogen.
- Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used in a wide variety of products including gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes, ceramics, solders, batteries, and even cosmetics.
- Mold is a microorganism and type of fungus that thrives in damp places; different molds are found everywhere, indoors and outside.
- Pesticides are substances used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plants or bugs that are considered to be pests.
- Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas that comes from the decay of radioactive elements in soils. It can enter indoor spaces through cracks or gaps in buildings. Most exposures occur inside homes, schools, and workplaces. EPA estimates radon is responsible for about 21,000 U.S. deaths from lung cancer annually.
- Smoke, a byproduct of combustion processes, such as from cigarettes, cookstoves, and wildfires, contains toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and lead.
Who is vulnerable to poor air quality?
Several groups of people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. These vulnerable populations include:
- Children: Their developing respiratory systems make them more susceptible to the effects of pollutants. Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter and ozone can impair lung function and contribute to asthma development.
- Elderly: Older adults may have pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or respiratory illnesses that can worsen with exposure to air pollutants. They often have reduced lung function and are less able to tolerate the effects of poor air quality.
- People with Respiratory Conditions: Individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, or other respiratory diseases are more sensitive to pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide, which can exacerbate their symptoms and lead to more frequent attacks.
- Pregnant Women: Air pollution can affect both maternal health and fetal development. Exposure to pollutants has been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental issues in children.
- People with Cardiovascular Conditions: Those with heart disease, hypertension, or who have had a stroke are at higher risk. Air pollutants like particulate matter can exacerbate cardiovascular problems by triggering inflammation, affecting blood clotting, and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Outdoor Workers: Individuals who work outdoors, such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and traffic police, are exposed to higher levels of outdoor air pollutants, increasing their risk of respiratory and cardiovascular health problems.
- Low-Income Communities: These communities often live in areas with higher levels of air pollution due to proximity to industrial facilities, busy roads, or older housing with inadequate ventilation. They may also have limited access to healthcare resources to manage the health impacts of poor air quality.
How do you know if your air quality is bad?
You can always consult with an expert – air quality specialists can come to your home and run tests, isolate the problem and offer valuable solutions. But if you prefer to keep matters in your own hands, here are some key insights that can help you determine if your indoor air quality can be improved. Within your home, look for:
1. Mould Growth
One of the biggest side-effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is mould. As well as being unsightly, mould can negatively affect your family’s health, so it should not be ignored. Mould doesn’t go away on its own – left unattended, it spreads . If you notice mould in your home, this is a sure-fire sign that there are high levels of moisture in your home.
2. Odours
If the air in your house starts to smell strange, this could be a sign of poor IAQ. Musty smells can mean mould, and sickly, bitter smells can suggest poor ventilation. It’s simple: if your air smells bad, you don’t want to be breathing it in.
3. Hot or cold spots
If these suddenly appear, it could mean your home is suffering from bad air circulation. This can often be a symptom of a bigger issue with your AC system, so it might be time to consider calling in the experts.
4. Excess dust
An increase in dust means an increase in particles and contaminates (and you don’t want these to end up in your lungs).
5. High humidity
A humid home is another sign of less than optimal IAQ. High Humidity leads to moisture, resulting in mould, whereas low humidity can leave you with dry skin. If your house is humid, it could also be a sign that your air conditioner is may not be preforming at it’s best and it may be time to book it in for a service.
Poor air quality can cause symptoms immediately upon exposure, physically, look for:
6. Coughing, chest congestion or respiratory issues
One of the biggest factors of IAQ is the concentration of particles in your air. If these increase they can go straight to your lungs and can lead to chest and respiratory problems.
7. Allergic episodes & watery eyes.
If allergy symptoms persist past hay fever season, the weather might not be your problem. Itching, sneezing and irritation can also be signs that your body is reacting to contaminants in your indoor environment. According to Sensitive Choice, to create a healthy home, you need to reduce impact of those triggers, if possible.
8. Headaches
Got a lingering headache, and can’t pin down the cause? It could be down to contaminants like pesticides, cleaning products and garbage that’s been left too long – all of which can affect your indoor air quality.
9. Fatigue or dizziness
These symptoms are generally a sign your air has been affected by fumes or carbon monoxide. If you experience either of these, you should address this immediately.
10. Skin dryness or irritation
Poor IAQ can also affect your skin – especially if you’re prone to sensitivity. If your skin shows signs of dryness, rashes, peeling, flaking or redness, your air could be the issue.
Can You Test Your Own Air Quality?
Yes, you can test the air quality in your home using various methods. There are several DIY options and professional services available.
DIY Methods
- Air Quality Monitors: These devices can detect various pollutants, including VOCs, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon dioxide, and humidity levels. Popular models include the Foobot and Awair air quality monitors.
- Mold Test Kits: These kits help you identify mold presence in your home. You can find them at hardware stores or online.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These are essential for detecting this odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly at high levels.
Professional Services
Hiring a professional to conduct a thorough indoor air quality assessment can provide a detailed analysis of potential pollutants and their sources. Professionals use advanced equipment to measure air quality parameters and offer solutions to improve it.
(Environmental Health Standing Committee, June 2024)
Is There a Device to Check Air Quality in Homes?
Yes, there are several devices designed to check the air quality in your home:
- Smart Air Quality Monitors: These devices connect to your smartphone and provide real-time data on air quality. Examples include the Dyson Pure Cool and Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier.
- Standalone Air Purifiers: While primarily designed to clean the air, many modern air purifiers also come with built-in air quality sensors.
These devices, often called air quality monitors, can detect and measure various pollutants such as:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from household products and building materials.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Indicates ventilation effectiveness.
- Formaldehyde: Released from certain building materials and furnishings.
- Humidity and Temperature: Can influence the presence of mold and dust mites.
Popular brands include Dyson, Airthings, and Awair, which offer devices with varying capabilities and price ranges.
How to Test Air Quality at Home in Australia
Testing air quality at home in Australia can be straightforward with the right tools and methods:
- Use an Air Quality Monitor: Purchase a reliable air quality monitor that suits your needs and budget. These devices can provide real-time data on various pollutants and help you track changes over time.
- DIY Testing Kits: For specific contaminants like radon or mold, you can use DIY testing kits available online or at hardware stores. These kits typically require you to collect samples and send them to a lab for analysis.
- Professional Testing Services: If you suspect significant issues or need detailed analysis, consider hiring professional indoor air quality testing services. These experts can provide comprehensive assessments and recommendations.
- Observational Methods: Pay attention to any health changes that may indicate poor air quality:
- Do you notice any change in your health before and after a particular change in the home environment?
- Is there any change in your health after particular activities, like dusting or cleaning?
- Do your health problems occur at the same time each year?
- Do your health problems get better if you and your family are away from home for any extended periods, such as holidays?
Practical Steps for Monitoring and Improving IAQ
- Ventilation: Ensure your home is well-ventilated. Open windows regularly and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Air Purifiers: Invest in air purifiers, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time, like bedrooms and living areas.
- Reduce Indoor Pollutants: Minimise the use of products that emit VOCs, such as certain cleaning agents and paints. Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free products when possible.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly dust and vacuum to reduce allergens and dust mites. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Control Humidity: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to prevent mold growth. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
By actively monitoring and addressing indoor air quality, you can create a healthier home environment and reduce the risk of health problems associated with poor IAQs.
Additional Resources
For more information on maintaining good indoor air quality and related products, visitMedcart's Air Quality Section.
Disclaimers
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Consult a qualified professional for a detailed air quality assessment and tailored recommendations.
By understanding and actively managing the air quality in your home, you can create a healthier living environment for you and your family. Stay proactive and informed to ensure the air you breathe is clean and safe.
References
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. (June 2024). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved fromenvironment.gov.au
- World Health Organization. (June 2024). Indoor Air Pollution. Retrieved fromwho.int
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria. (June 2024). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from epa.vic.gov.au
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (June 2024). Air Quality and Health. Retrieved fromaihw.gov.au
- Environmental Health Standing Committee. (June 2024). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from enhealth.nphp.gov.au
