An Indoor Air Quality Monitor is a system or device that senses and records the levels of various contaminants in indoor air. The purpose is to help assess the quality of the air we breathe. The best ones alert people when the indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe.
In recent years businesses and homes have improved sealing the structural envelope for energy efficiency which is a good thing. But, doing so created the unintended consequence of reducing ventilation making it harder for pollutants to escape and for people to breathe safely. Many factors affect the overall quality of the air we breathe, see EPA Index Made Understandable.
Bacteria, viruses, allergens, gases, odors, fumes, mold and even some particulates like dust that mix in the air we breathe can be very harmful culprits to inhale. Carbon monoxide and ozone can be harmful to deadly when concentrations build up. Carbon dioxide, though not harmful in usual indoor settings, can be another major contaminant, having a major impact on cognitive functions when concentrations are too high (critically important to avoid in a school setting). Humidity and temperature also play a big role in air quality because high temperature and moisture enable viruses to remain in the air longer and promote mold growth. Overexposure to any of these compounds and particulates can cause numerous health challenges that have come to be known as Sick Building Syndrome and a lot more. For your good health, avoid these contaminants and assuredly you can.
It’s easy to install, simple to use, a lifesaver.
Monitoring your indoor air is the best way to breathe healthy and know when you’re not.