Indoor Air Quality Improvement: The Importance of Proper IAQ

Indoor air quality (or IAQ) is very important as we spend a great portion of our lives indoors. This may be at home, at an office, at a restaurant or store or a variety of other places. Ensuring that where we spend a majority of our time (home and work) is our vital importance to our health. This becomes more important if we are sensitive to dust, mold and other allergenic or if a person has a health situation that weakens their immune system.

Certain actions can be pursued to ensure proper indoor air quality. These actions include:

- Replacing our household air filter often
- Replacing our vacuum bags and filters when possible
- Controlling humidity to prevent mold growth
- Not letting leaks of water damage sit for too long which can cause mold and mildew
- Cleaning, dusting and vacuuming often to remove sitting dust, pet dander, hair and other particulates in our home or work
- Having our HVAC air ducts that flow through our attics or subfloors clean regularly by professional air duct cleaners
- Utilizing a built-in air purification system that attaches to our household air system (HVAC) or a portable one for places without
- Clean your carpets regularly with quality equipment to remove deep-down dust, mites, mud and other contaminants that could be stirred into your air.

Steps can be taken to control situations where you know the indoor air quality has been compromised. If you notice mold growing in your home and a musty odor is present this may indicate the mold has become airborne. Once mold spores have been disturbed they will become airborne and can contaminate other rooms, furniture, clothing, heating and air conditioning systems and other parts of the property.

As to the type of mold, potentially toxic or allergenic, that will need to be determined by a mold inspector and laboratory. Mold samples can be taken to determine what type and concentration of mold are present in the air or on surfaces. From there, proper action can be taken to remediate the issue.

For more information on determining if mold or other harmful contaminants are in your property's air or surfaces, feel free to contact us at 877-264-6133. Our staff is highly trained as to possible causes and effects of exposure to poor indoor air quality and can offer assistance. We are also available by e-mail at info@indoorrestore.com.