Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Whether you’re living in a new home or a renovated one, indoor air quality can be a significant issue for your health. Exposure to indoor pollutants can affect your health for years, and it’s not just temporary; you can also develop more serious health problems. Here are some symptoms to watch for to help you detect indoor air pollution. Symptoms of poor indoor air quality can include headaches, fatigue, sore throats, dry throat, and chest tightness.
First, check your ventilation. If your central heating and air-conditioning equipment are dirty or there’s moisture on windows, your ventilation is likely insufficient. If you notice odors, mold, or dirty central heating and air-conditioning equipment, it’s time to seek help. Another way to assess indoor air quality is to take a walk outside for a few minutes and notice if any smells or unpleasant tastes are present. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your building’s EH&S department.
The Environmental Health and Safety Department (EH&S) respond to requests for indoor air quality evaluation. If you suspect any issues, bring them to EH&S for further investigation. EH&S will monitor indoor air quality conditions and make recommendations to bring occupied areas within the recommended guidelines. If you notice any problems, ask occupants if they’re experiencing symptoms. You can even make simple changes in your building ventilation to improve the air quality in your space.
