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Indoor Air Quality

By
Home Inspector with Solid Foundation Home Inspectors

Here is some info to chew on when it comes to thinking outside the box on a standard home inspection.

How clean is the air in the home that is for sale?

The health care community continues to determine the extent and range of housing-related health effects:
 
The indoor environment is also affected by agents and conditions originating outside for example, the quality of outdoor air (pollution levels, temperature and humidity) and radon and other soil gases which enter through leaks and cracks in the foundation.

All of these agents and conditions affect the quality of the indoor environment and may pose potential dangers to your health. Regardless of your health needs, clean indoor air can provide the basis for a nurturing environment. It can improve the quality of your health and your sense of wellbeing.

Many chemicals, such as formaldehyde, toluene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found as contaminants in homes and offices, are known to have adverse effects on human health. Molds, besides causing allergic reactions and acute infections, can cause chronic illnesses in humans.

The health care community continues to determine the extent and range of housing-related health effects. Some of the ailments that may be related to poor indoor air quality are:

  • allergic rhinitis
  • anemia
  • asthma
  • asbestosis
  • cancer
  • cardiovascular stress
  • coughing
  • digestive problems
  • dizziness
  • dry, chapped or irritated skin
  • emphysema
  • eye, nose and throat irritation
  • fatigue
  • headaches
  • impaired lung function/shortness of breath
  • impaired vision
  • impaired coordination
  • influenza
  • learning impairment
  • liver and kidney damage
  • loss of bone calcium
  • nervous system depression
  • nose bleeds
  • pneumonia
  • rashes
  • respiratory distress
  • respiratory infection
  • sinus congestion
 

 

Exposure to contaminants can also have a number of indirect health effects, including increased susceptibility to disease from other causes, aggravation of existing disease and sensitization to the same and other environmental agents.

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