Indoor air quality | Bad indoor air condition

The condition is related to the quality of air around and within the structures and buildings. It is very closely related to the health and the console of the building visitor. This condition is known as indoor air quality. 

When we work and live and breathe the air in restricted areas. It can circulate throughout the closed area. It can also refer to the nature of the quality of the heat or cool. Poor indoor air quality can be expressive of health and economic and environmental problems.  The health and the well-being of humans are affected by the totality of attributes of indoor air quality.

Common pollutants of indoor air quality

Tobacco smoke

Tobacco smoking affects other people other than the active smoker. This tobacco smoke also called second-hand smoke that can include particulate and gaseous phases. 

Radon

The radioactive atomic gas forms from the radioactive decay of radium. It is invisible radon that may be found in a rock formation in certain building materials.

This is the most serious risk to indoor air quality. Each year thousands of deaths from lung cancer are responsible for indoor air quality.

Carbon monoxide

The colorless and odorless gas which is formed by the incomplete combustor of fossil fuels is known as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is one of the most deeply toxic indoor air pollutants.

Tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, and the heating furnace are common sources of carbon monoxide. Death, nausea, and unconsciousness occur due to the high level of CO.

Attributes of indoor air quality

• Humidity
• Level of pollutants
• Odors
• The temperature of the air
• The velocity of the air

Effects of indoor air quality

• Difficulty in concentrating
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Dizziness
• Coughing and sneezing
• Sinus congestion
• Headaches
• Allergies
• Fatigue

Why is there an increase in indoor air quality?

1. In buildings more chemical pollutants are present
2. Delayed maintenance
3. More time indoors
4. Reduced ventilation and firm buildings

Potential causes

1. Personal and organizational factors
2. Ventilation system
3. Micro Organism.
4. Ventilation rate.
5. Humidity.
6. Airborne chemical pollution.
7. Lighting
8. Temperature

Controlling indoor air quality

Exhaust hoods are used to check the airflow of the hood. For the control of pressure and ventilation, the exhaust should be used.

Avoid or less use of following 

1. Waxes and polishes
2. Cleanser
3. Vacuuming
4. Adhesives.
5. Disinfectants
6. Drain cleaner
7. Air fresheners
8. Pesticides
9. Lubricants
10. Solvents

Tips for controlling

1. Must be avoiding sprays and aerosols
2. When mixing and diluting we can use proper protocol
3. We can use low-emitting products
4. Avoid back drafting
5. Polluting activities perform during unoccupied hours
6. Clean the spills
7. Use the filter change protocol
8. For steam use potable water
9. Maintain the spotless mechanical rooms
10. Clean the drain pans                                           ^[1]https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/128169/e94535.pdf ^[2]https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/63822 ^[3]sec_2.pdf (epa.gov)

Reviewed by:
Dr. Muhammad Khalid Mukhtar (Ph.D.)
University of Sargodha, Sargodha