In a normal day of going about our business at home and work we are constantly exposed to environmental pollutants that pose varying degrees of risk. Some risks are simply unaviodable, such as automobile pollution,environmental dusts, and normal environmental levels of bio-aresols( molds and bacteria). Some we choose to accept because to do otherwise would restrict our ability to lead our lives the way we want, such as pollutants from photo copiers, computers, or cleaning materials.
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated the air within homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest an most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90% of thier time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risk to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.
In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollutions. Such groups include the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
Poor Indoor Air Quality is caused by airborne particles and gases or vapors that adversely affect occupant health and comfort, the building structure or it's furnishings. Some Indoor Air Quality problems are so adverse that the entire structure may be defined as a "sick building".
Poor Indoor Air Quality has been shown to result in increased incidence of illness and absenteeism, reduced productivity, irritabilty, complaints about building odor and stuffiness and health problems. These may include allergies, coughing, diarrhea, eye, nose and throat irritation, fatigue, general respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, dizziness, runny nose and skin irritation.