You may not realize it, but your house could be making you sick, with indoor air pollution at the root of some of your medical conditions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3 billion people use coal stoves, open fires, and wood-burning stoves for heating and cooking purposes in their households. Additionally, approximately 4 million people die every year due to health conditions resulting from indoor air pollution.
Types of Medical Conditions Caused by This Type of Pollution
According to WHO, 50 percent of premature deaths are those of children under the age of five, who have died of pneumonia caused by this type of pollution. Poor ventilation is usually the culprit here.
Other health conditions caused by poor indoor air quality are stroke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Stroke caused approximately 1.4 million annual deaths. WHO reports that people who suffered from COPD were exposed to carcinogens. These are pollutants that are given off during the burning of coal, wood, and charcoal. There is also a direct correlation between cataracts, low birth weight, and TB.
People who used non-electrical appliances for heating and cooking also risked injury due to burns and fuel poisoning.
What to Do If You Suspect Indoor Air Pollution
If you’re not sure about the quality of your indoor air, there are a few telltale signs that can signal poor IAQ. Constant allergies, colds, and respiratory issues are usually good indicators. While medical treatment helps, it’s important to address the source of the problem.
If you suspect that you have Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), or you have questions about home comfort and indoor air quality issues, contact us at Pipe Works Services