Is it important to be concerned with  Indoor Air Quality?

For many years health authorities and governmental agencies have raised our awareness to the dangers of outdoor air pollution and have concentrated their efforts on finding ways to reduce pollutants generated by automobiles, factories, construction and mining.

Over the past two decades scientist have been carefully examining the indoor air environment of our offices, factories and homes and they have found this environment to be even more hazardous to our health than outdoor air.

Indoor air contaminants can originate within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. Particulate matter can come from far away places like blowing desert sands & volcanic eruptions or from nearby sources such as pollinating trees, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, cleaning chemicals & pesticides. If these contaminant sources are not controlled, IAQ problems can arise. Statistics show that 1 out of 5 (50 million) Americans suffer from allergies caused by substances found in the home and office. Deaths related to asthma have risen 40% in the past two decades.

The Impact of Pollution and the Consequences of Waste

It is well known that the majority of pollution is caused and emitted by the most developed nations.  North America, in particular, is responsible for a large portion of both chemical and greenhouse gas emissions.  This is partly due to the relatively high standard of living that is enjoyed here which includes transportation, heating and cooling, as well as the high rates of meat and dairy consumption.

By way of comparison, the majority of the world's population lives in areas where the consequences of pollution are felt more keenly.  This is partly due to a disproportionate distribution of wealth and living standards.  It is also partly due to the closer relationship that people living in Africa and Asia have to the natural environment.  This situation is not likely to change anytime soon, given the global nature of pollution spread, that knows no boarders.