How do I recognize indoor air quality issues?

• Strong, unpleasant odors
  If you notice a musty, damp smell in your home or office, it could be a sign of mold growth. Similarly, if you smell a chemical or gasoline-like odor, it could indicate that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in the air.
  
  
• Increased allergies or respiratory issues
  If you or your employees are experiencing increased allergies, skin irritation, or respiratory issues, such as sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of poor indoor air quality.
  
  
• Headaches, fatigue, or "foggy" feeling
  Have you ever had the feeling of getting a "heavy head" after long hours at the office? Poor indoor air quality can be behind this. In fact, these symptoms are often caused by exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or carbon monoxide (CO).
  
  
• Visible mold or mildew
  If you can see mold or mildew growing in your building, it is a clear sign of poor IAQ. These fungal growths can cause serious health problems and must be removed promptly.
  
  
• Dust and dirt accumulation
  Dust and dirt accumulation can be a sign of poor indoor air quality, as it indicates that pollutants are not being effectively removed from the air. Of course, this can end up causing an increase in allergies and respiratory issues. 
  
  
• Dizziness or nausea
  Have you ever felt very dizzy at work or gotten suddenly nauseous? Exposure to certain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide or VOCs, can actually be the cause of that. 
  
  
• Dry skin or dry throat
  Poor indoor air quality, such as unbalanced levels of humidity, can cause dry skin or dry throat, which can be uncomfortable and can lead to other health problems.
  
  
• Increased static electricity
  Lastly, a less known one is that poor indoor air quality can cause a build-up of static electricity, which can be uncomfortable and can also damage electronic equipment.

What are the consequences of poor indoor air quality?

Poor indoor air quality can have serious consequences for both individuals and organizations. Some of these consequences include:

• Health problems
  As you've read above, poor IAQ can lead to a variety of health problems, such as respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches. In extreme cases, it can even lead to more serious health problems like asthma and other lung problems. 
  
  
• Decreased productivity
  Poor indoor air quality can cause fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms that can directly affect your day at work. This in turn can lead to decreased productivity and financial losses for companies. 
  
  
• Increased absenteeism 
  If employees are experiencing health problems as a result of poor IAQ, they are more likely to take time off work, which can lead to increased absenteeism and costs for the company.
  
  
• Legal liability
  In many countries, employees are required to report their indoor air quality levels and make sure to comply with healthy indoor air quality standards at the workspaces. Failing to do so might have legal consequences for the company. Similarly, if employees become ill as a result of poor indoor air quality, the company may be held liable for their medical expenses and lost wages.

Indoor air quality is an essential aspect of our daily lives, and it's important to be aware of the signs of poor levels so that we can take action to improve it. By recognizing the signs of poor indoor air quality, organizations can take steps to improve the air quality in their buildings, which can lead to healthier employees, increased productivity, and a reduction in absenteeism. Investing in improving IAQ is not only a smart business decision but also a positive step toward the well-being of employees.

You don't know where to start? Take a look at our latest article: solving your indoor air quality issues in only 5 steps. 

Or read more to discover all about our record-setting solution for Indoor Air Quality Checks.