The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified indoor air quality (IAQ) as one of the top five most urgent risks to public health. Sources of contamination include gases and particles from office machines, cleaning products, construction activities, carpets and furnishings, perfumes, cigarette smoke, water-damaged building materials, microbial growth (fungal, mold, and bacterial), insects, and outdoor pollutants.
Scientific evidence indicates that both short and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) can have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, leading to increased emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and premature death.
Those most vulnerable to the health effects of particle pollution are people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and those of lower socioeconomic status. Research indicates that pregnant women, newborns, and people with certain health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, may also be more susceptible.
IAQ-related health issues are often linked to improperly operated and maintained heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Replacing your air filters with high quality pleated air filters on a regular basis can help to mitigate these risks.
