Most of us have been inside for prolonged periods and, while it’s not easy being at home more often, sometimes it can be an opportunity to inspect your indoor air quality. If poor, it is likely affecting your health and even effectiveness at working remotely. Today, let’s explore some of the warning signs you should watch out for.
Trouble Focusing and Fatigue
Feeling sluggish or half-awake when trying to get any work done? It happens, and it’s often caused by the indoor relative humidity and the presence of particulates in the airstream. The human mind and body need sufficient hydration to function correctly, so try to maintain 40 to 60 percent relative humidity in all rooms within your home throughout the year. You should also ensure a MERV or HEPA filter is in place to limit the number of particulates within your ventilation at any given time.
Frequent Headaches and Dizziness
A loss of balance, dizzy spells, and throbbing headaches are signs of problems such as sinus infections or toxification caused by hazardous particulate ingestion. Sources can include mould spores, a buildup of allergens, and pest droppings, the latter of which are highly dangerous to human health.
Irritation and Discomfort
If you’re experiencing dryness, itchiness or even rash breakouts, they usually indicate a problem with your indoor air quality and relative humidity. These symptoms, especially when combined with irritability, moodiness, and general discomfort, are difficult to live with. Professional air testing is important to identify the causes within your home and provide recommendations on how to fix them.
Respiratory Problems
If you’re constantly congested, coughing and sneezing, it may not be a virus or cold causing it. Again, getting your air quality tested by a certified and experienced professional is crucial in identifying serious health risks such as leaks, moisture buildup, and fungal growth such as mould.
Lingering, Musty Smells
Notice a strange, mildewy smell all the time in certain rooms, such as your basement? It’s a sign of moisture accumulation and rotting materials including woods. This can occur in other spaces such as attics, bathrooms and bedrooms, and causes can range from faulty window seals to cracks in the foundation.
If you need a hand with improving your indoor air quality, our team is here to assist with thorough inspections and fully certified, risk-aware services. Contact us today to learn more.
