Earlier this week I posted about the importance of indoor air quality. Today I’m continuing the conversation by discussing the different types indoor air pollutants. People spend up to 90% of their time indoors. With the advent of Covid almost 5 million people were sent to work from home. With millions of Canadians home all day, every day, the quality of the air indoors has become more important than ever before.
What are the major indoor pollutants?
Reposted from Healthlink BC.
Indoor pollutants include:
Biological contaminants can come from both outside and inside the home. Fungi (moulds), insects such as dust mites and cockroaches, dander from fur-bearing animals such dogs or cats, and dusts and pollens are some examples. Biological contaminants can cause allergic symptoms. For more information, see HealthLinkBC File #65b Indoor Air Quality: Mould and Other Biological Contaminants.
Combustion (burning) by-products are gases and small particles caused by the incomplete burning of fuels such as oil, gas, kerosene, wood, coal and propane. Examples include fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Sources include wood heaters and woodstoves, furnaces, gas stoves, fireplaces, car exhaust from an attached garage and tobacco smoke. For more information, see HealthLinkBC File #65c Indoor Air Quality: Combustion By-products and HealthLinkBC File #30a The Harmful Effects of Second-hand Smoke.
Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in materials such as plywood and particleboard, in furnishings such as furniture, drapes and carpets, and in personal care products. Cleaning agents, paints, lacquers and varnishes are additional sources of VOCs. VOCs can be released from these materials for several years. For more information, see HealthLinkBC File #65d Indoor Air Quality: Volatile Organic Compounds.
Asbestos was used as an insulator and fire retardant for many years. It is sometimes still found in older homes. Asbestos does not cause a health risk unless it is frayed or crumbling and releasing fibers into the air that can be inhaled. Over time, exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer. For more information, see HealthLinkBC File #32 Asbestos: When Should I Worry?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is given off when uranium, which naturally occurs in some soil and rock, decays. Radon gas is odourless, invisible and has no taste. It can enter a home or building directly through the building’s foundation from surrounding soil. Over time, high levels of inhaled radon gas may lead to lung cancer. High levels of radon have been found in parts of interior and northern British Columbia. Kits are available to measure the level of indoor radon. For more information, see HealthLinkBC File #42 Radon in the Homes and Other Dwellings.
References:
Healthlink BC. March 3, 2021. Indoor Air Quality. (Accessed on March 3, 2021). Accessed from: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/indoor-air-quality
About Liz Penner | Your Best Langley Real Estate Agent
Liz Penner is a top-selling licensed real estate salesperson with the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and has been a top-selling realtor specializing in the residential resale of condos, townhomes, and houses for over a decade. Liz assists residents of the Langley and Surrey areas to sell real estate while looking out for the client’s best interests. Liz also helps first-time homebuyers, families, and repeat purchasers with their property search process, ensuring that her clients get access to the very best homes on the market while receiving excellent service ensuring that they find the perfect place to call home.
Liz holds a BBA in leadership and has completed a variety of specific training through the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board in the areas of selling strata properties, foreclosures, estate sales, and new construction properties. Liz is also well versed in POAs, the Strata Property Act, and more.
If you are looking for a knowledgeable and professional real estate agent that is willing to do everything possible to ensure that you get top dollar for the sale of your home or to find the dream home you are looking for in the Surrey and Langley, BC areas then get in contact today.
Why list your home for sale with Liz Penner
- I’ve helped my clients sell over 400 condos, townhomes, and houses throughout the Langley and Cloverdale area, and I’d love the opportunity to do the same for you.
- I’ve experienced straightforward sales and sales that have gone off the rails, back on the rails, off the rails, and then back on again. That’s just the way the real estate train rolls, and it never rattles me.
- I’ve got a solid toolkit to pull from when a problem arises. I take my job seriously each time, and I will make sure you get top dollar for your Fraser Valley, Langley, or Cloverdale home, smooth sailing, or otherwise.
- If you’re looking for a realtor that you can count on in the Langley and Surrey area.
- I’m your Agent!
- If you want top dollar for your home
- I can do that!
- Do you want to save money on your next home purchase?
- I can do that too!
What you can expect when working with Liz Penner
- Fast, Reliable, and Quality service
- Frequent Communication – from somebody who is available to serve you in the key moments that matter.
- Expert Advice – from a well-trained and well trained and experienced agent with almost 2 decades of experience as a top-selling real estate agent.
