 | Keith Bomholt
has been installing and servicing residential garage doors since 1971. He is president and owner of Cheney Door Company, Inc. headquartered in Wichita with a second location in Hutchinson. Cheney Door offers several products for the home including replacement windows, entry, storm and patio doors and central vacuum systems. Commercially Cheney Door sells and installs overhead doors and dock equipment in Kansas and surrounding states.
Keith, who is a member of the Wichita Area Builders Association and the Wichita and Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce may be contacted by e-mail at keith@cheneydoor.com or by phone at (316) 262-2098. |
Home Improvement
2003-04-01 11:23:00
What is bad 'IAQ'?
: How big of a problem is indoor air quality? What can be done to improve it?
ANSWER: The EPA reports that indoor air quality (IAQ) is five times worse than outdoor air, and at the same time the incidence of allergy and asthma cases are increasing in epidemic proportions. Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) extremely important. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery, and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints, and personal care products.The tight construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather-stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a build-up of contaminants within the home.Poor IAQ can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation.Two health problems that can be helped by clean indoor air are allergies and asthma. Even people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from improved IAQ. By removing airborne dust particles from the air, the amount of exposure they have on the respiratory system is greatly reduced. Thankfully, there are things a homeowner can do to help alleviate potential IAQ concerns. The first step toward improving indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating or reducing these sources is the most effective way to clean the air. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit, will contribute to a healthier living environment. Ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home. Thoroughly cleaning the home is another way to minimize the concentration of pollutants. Frequent vacuuming... if done properly... can help to reduce the amount of dust particles in the air. Conventional vacuum cleaners merely re-circulate contacted dirt. Central vacuum systems remove a much higher percentage of contacted dirt, dust mites, dander, pollen, and other allergens from the living areas in your home and secure contacted debris outside family living quarters. In addition to proper vacuuming, some of the most effective solutions for poor indoor air quality may involve heating and cooling systems. Electronic air cleaners (EACs) and high-efficiency air filters can assist in absorbing particles that otherwise would escape due to their size. EACs and high-efficiency filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt, and pollen. Other products that are available include humidifiers, carbon monoxide detectors, and air purifiers.
