Monitoring indoor air quality
With additional insulation, our house is now more energy efficient than ever. We’re looking forward to lower energy bills, but should we be concerned about indoor air quality?
—JOHN URNESS, PLATTEVILLE, WI
TOH home technology expert Ross Trethewey: You’ve raised a valid concern. Indoor air quality (IAQ) research has shown that when the building envelope becomes more airtight, indoor air pollutants are more likely to accumulate and cause health issues. Here are some of the main pollutants:
> Carbon monoxide produced by gas-burning and wood-burning appliances
> Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released when some products like carpeting, cabinets, and fabrics off-gas inside the house
> Particulates, including household dust and soot from fossil fuel burners, like ranges, fireplaces, and candles
> Excess humidity and odors produced by bathroom fixtures and cooking activities
> Radon, a radioactive gas that can emanate from soil or groundwater
> Mold spores as a result of water leaks or excess humidity
The health risks associated with pollutants such as these range from minor irritation to serious respiratory and allergic reactions to, in the case of radon and other chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, cancer. The good news is that IAQ problems can be resolved using a variety of mitigation strategies. Some are simple, like turning on an exhaust fan when taking a shower to get rid of excess moisture, which can lead to mold. Other issues, like radon, call for professional solutions.
I recommend installing an indoor air quality monitor in your house. These devices are designed to detect and measure the concentration of common indoor air pollutants.
If the monitor identifies spikes in any of the pollutants we’ve listed here, you may want to have an energy audit performed on your house. This comprehensive, whole-house evaluation can identify building characteristics that might affect indoor air quality, and suggest steps for remediating any problems.
