Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.
Pronunciation
In-dor Air Kwol-i-tee
Etymology
The term "Indoor Air Quality" is a combination of three words. "Indoor" is derived from the Old English word "innan" meaning "inside". "Air" comes from the Old French "air" meaning "atmosphere, breeze, weather". "Quality" is derived from the Latin "qualitas" meaning "character, nature".
Health Impacts
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
There are many methods to improve Indoor Air Quality. Some of them include increasing ventilation, using air purifiers, maintaining a healthy level of humidity, and testing for radon.
Related Terms
See Also
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