According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the air inside our homes, schools, and offices is often two to five times more polluted than the outside air. We spend 90% of our time indoors. Children are naturally more susceptible to pollutants than adults because they take in more air relative to body size and because their developing organs and respiratory systems are more vulnerable to certain chemicals, particles, pathogens, and allergens. As home and building designs continue to reduce the exchange of indoor and outdoor air with more energy-efficient structures, the concentrations of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), pathogens, odors, mold, and fungus spores tend to increase while the air ion concentrations, necessary for healthy lives, are significantly reduced. Poor IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) in Homes has become so prevalent that the associated side effects and illness have been classified as “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS).
SYMPTOMS OF SBS CAN INCLUDE
- Sore Throat
- Cold or Flu-Like Symptoms
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Dry itchy and tired eyes
- Headaches
- Issues with short term memory
- Dry Throat
- Rashes or Itches
- Blocked or running nose
- Coughs and/or sneezes
- Concentration Problems
- Depression/pessimism/irritability