Indoor air problems in homes – most common causes and solutions
Indoor air problems are a common concern in homes, and they can significantly affect living comfort and health. Children, the elderly, and people suffering from respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable to poor indoor air quality.
The most common causes of indoor air problems include moisture and mould damage, insufficient ventilation, and structural issues.
In this article, we go through the most common signs of indoor air problems, their causes, and solutions that can help improve indoor air quality.
Key takeaways from the article
Indoor air problems can reduce living comfort and cause health issues.
Typical symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose or throat, coughing, dry skin, and persistent congestion.
The most important action in addressing indoor air problems is to identify and eliminate the root cause.
One of the most common causes of indoor air problems is insufficient drainage or lack of stormwater management, which can lead to moisture accumulation in structures.
Poor or outdated drainage systems may lead to moisture damage in structures, which in turn can deteriorate indoor air quality.
What do indoor air problems mean?
Indoor air problems refer to impurities or conditions in a building’s indoor air that can reduce living comfort and cause health issues.
What symptoms can poor indoor air cause?
Poor indoor air quality can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild irritation to more serious health effects. Common symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose or throat, coughing, dry skin, and persistent congestion. Many people also experience difficulty concentrating or unexplained fatigue when staying indoors. As the American Lung Association states:
“Long-term exposure to poor indoor air can lead to respiratory symptoms, headaches, fatigue, and even worsening of asthma.”
If symptoms improve when away from home, the cause may very well be related to indoor air quality.
What are the most common causes of indoor air problems?
Indoor air problems are often caused by structural or technical issues that go unnoticed or unaddressed. The underlying causes may include moisture damage, mould, poor ventilation, or emissions from building materials.
One of the most common causes of indoor air problems is insufficient drainage or lack of stormwater management, which can lead to moisture accumulation in structures. In addition, old or faulty ventilation systems can cause pollutants to build up in indoor air. Poorly designed or improperly sealed structures may also prevent proper air circulation and increase the concentration of impurities indoors.
How can indoor air problems be identified?
The most typical sign of indoor air problems is a stale or musty odour, along with the previously mentioned symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality. In more severe cases, moisture may become visible in the indoor air or on surfaces, creating a heavy or damp feeling indoors.
As we wrote in one of our previous articles: “It is particularly concerning if a musty smell does not disappear with ventilation, as it indicates a continuous source of moisture that may be hidden within the structures.”
What should you do if you suspect an indoor air problem?
If you suspect indoor air problems in your home and notice the signs mentioned above, it is important to determine the root cause. The first step is identifying the underlying issue, which should ideally be done with the help of a professional specialized in indoor air investigations. The earlier problems are detected, the more effectively larger structural damage and health risks can be prevented.
Indoor air problems are usually investigated through structural condition assessments. If necessary, air samples, moisture measurements, and material samples are taken to detect mould or microbial growth. Drainage systems and ventilation systems should also be inspected.
How can indoor air problems be fixed?
After a thorough investigation, resolving indoor air problems requires correctly targeted actions. The most important step is to eliminate the root cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Repair methods vary depending on the source of the issue. The key measures are listed below.
Structural repairs
If indoor air problems are caused by moisture damage, mould growth, or defective structures, these issues must be addressed immediately. Damaged materials such as wet insulation or mould-contaminated surfaces are removed and replaced with new ones. At the same time, the tightness of the structures is checked and measures are taken to prevent further moisture ingress.
Structural repairs may also include sealing basement spaces or improving waterproofing systems.
Improving ventilation
Poor ventilation is one of the most common causes of indoor air problems. Insufficient or unbalanced ventilation can lead to the accumulation of moisture and pollutants in indoor air. Inspecting and servicing the ventilation system is usually the first step toward improving indoor air quality.
The importance of drainage in moisture control
“Drainage systems do quiet but essential work in a building’s foundations: they keep moisture away and protect the structures. Over time, however, this invisible system wears out—and when drainage starts failing, the consequences quickly appear as moisture damage, mould, and indoor air problems.” -Salaojapiste-
Many people do not realize how critical properly functioning drainage is for building moisture control and maintaining good indoor air quality. Insufficient or outdated drainage can lead to moisture damage in structures, which in turn worsens indoor air quality. The condition of the drainage system should be inspected regularly and, if necessary, renewed.
When is it time to act on indoor air problems?
Indoor air problems should not be left unresolved, as they can quickly worsen and lead to serious health risks as well as structural damage. Once you notice previously mentioned signs or symptoms of poor indoor air quality, it is important to act immediately.
Prompt action helps prevent more extensive damage and protects the well-being of occupants.
Prevention, such as regular inspections and monitoring the condition of building structures, plays a key role in avoiding indoor air problems. This allows early detection of changes and enables timely intervention.
Lähteet
American Lung Association – What Makes Indoor Air Unhealthy
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