Advantages

90 to 95 % of people spend their lives indoors. This makes indoor air quality extremely important. Gasses and particles can upset the indoor air quality. Proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning should be in good working order if not will be a great place to begin. Also to make sure that new furniture, carpets, etc. contain safe, low-emitting materials helps protect the quality of air in homes and commercial buildings.

Improving ventilation can significantly reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants. Air cleaners can remove particles from air, but may not be equipped to reduce the amount of gaseous pollutants in air.

Savings

The most cost-effective option for improving indoor air quality is source control. Materials, furnishings, or cleaning products in the home are potential sources of indoor air pollution. Careful criticism of products prior to purchase can help. Improving your home and ventilation systems can actually increase energy costs. Proper sizing and cleaning of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will save you money on energy costs and improve indoor air quality.

The benefits of protecting indoor air quality are significant. Improved indoor air quality can have positive effects on health, productivity, and comfort. Canadian researchers have measured the relationships between employee productivity and indoor air quality and found that reduced indoor pollutant levels resulted in reductions in absenteeism.

More Information On This Topic:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Improving Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:Indoor Air Quality in Large Buildings