Causes of Poor Air Quality

The air in your home is likely to be contaminated with much more than you might expect, but some contaminants are more common than others. The main contaminants to watch out for in an average home are:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2), tobacco smoke, perfume, body odours – from building occupants.
  • Dust, fibreglass, asbestos, gases, including formaldehyde – from building materials.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – from household cleansers, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants.
  • Gases, vapours, odours – off-gas emissions from furniture, carpets, and paints.
  • Dust mites – from carpets, fabric, foam chair cushions.
  • Microbial contaminants, fungi, moulds, bacteria, – from damp areas.
  • Ozone – from photocopiers, electric motors, electrostatic air cleaners.

Poor Air Quality

Poor indoor air can be caused by man factors, but often it is the result of interactions between building materials and furnishing, activities within the building, climate and building occupants.

The causes include:

  • Indoor Environment
  • Indoor air contaminants such as chemicals, dust, mould, bacteria, smoke and odours
  • Insufficient Ventilation