Air Quality Articles

Why Air Quality Control Counts

Air is all around us in the form of gas. Air contains oxygen that is vital for our survival. It is what we breathe day in and day out. If the air we breathe is polluted, it causes negative effects to our body systems and becomes harmful for us to breathe.

Over the years, the problem of air pollution has steadily risen. Bad air is all around in the form of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide emissions. Cars, factories, and even homes and offices contribute to these emissions. Practically everything that we use and see around us is capable of producing these harmful emissions.

This is where air quality control comes in.

Air quality control embraces practices that help reduce air pollution and its underlying causes. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages people to employ these air quality control practices not only for the purpose of reducing air pollution but also to ensure the safety of our health. Studies have shown that indoor air pollution can be more damaging than outdoor air. Since most of us spend practically 90% of our time indoors, it is vital that we do not take for granted the issue of air quality.

Some of the most common effects of air pollution include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; and dizziness and fatigue. As a result of pollutants to air quality, many people develop asthma. More serious effects vary but usually include respiratory and heart diseases, and in some cases, cancer.

It is important to identify the pollutants in your home, building, or office. Once these are identified, certain measures in controlling the quality of the air you breathe must be followed. The federal government and agencies like EPA have guidelines and booklets to help you carry out these air quality control practices.