If an indoor air quality assessment indicates that you have poor air quality, it may cause health problems. Ailments start small, so it can be difficult to establish that indoor air quality is to blame. Knowing the health problems to be on alert for can alert you to problems early enough to prevent them from becoming much more harmful to your body. Learn about the potential health problems caused by indoor air quality.
Sinus Irritation/Congestion
When you breathe, the contaminants in the air can get into your sinuses. The foreign pathogens create irritation. Soon, you may notice yourself sniffling or congested. Medicine may work to treat symptoms temporarily, but the symptoms will only get worse with continued exposure.
Difficulty Breathing
The contaminants don't only get into your nose — they also get into your airway. The irritants can lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing. People with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma, will experience symptoms faster and more intensely than those without. The inability to breathe can be life-threatening, so it's important to improve air quality immediately.
Headaches
You may get a headache as a reaction to certain irritants, especially chemicals used in chemical cleaners and pesticides. If you suspect chemical particles in the air, ventilate the area to clear the bad air out. You can also get a sinus headache along with sinus congestion.
Dizziness
If chemical concentrations in the air get high enough, it can actually impact cognitive functions to the point of making you feel light-headed and dizzy. This doesn't generally happen in mild cases of contamination. If you fear your dizziness stems from toxins in the air, leave your home until you repair the air quality.
Nausea
Your stomach rejects toxins. If enough contaminants get into your digestive system, it can make you feel nauseous. Since most people associate poor air quality with respiratory problems, many people may not suspect airborne toxins as the culprit.
Dry Skin
Many toxins contain a dehydrating effect on the air — and your skin. Abnormally dry skin in the summer can indicate that something is drinking up the oils on your skin. You should apply moisturizer liberally to give the skin the moisture it needs. If air irritants exasperate preexisting dry skin conditions, such as eczema, you may need to visit a dermatologist to get the condition under control again.
When you have dangerously poor air quality, you will likely notice several of these health concerns. Verify the problem with an indoor air quality evaluation.