The risks associated with poor indoor air quality, both at home and at work, are becoming more known. Indoor air pollutants include particulate matter, such as dust mite allergen, pollen, and mold spores; gases, including ozone and carbon monoxide; microbial and chemical volatile organic compounds (VOCs); passive smoke; and outdoor polluted air that makes its way inside. Through reviewing literature pertaining to indoor air quality and the health effects of gaseous and particulate matter, this study aimed to provide allergists with information to assist them in making recommendations to their patients regarding sources of indoor pollutants.

Researchers found that indoor pollutants are respiratory irritants, toxicants, and allergen carriers. They recommended that allergists be prepared to evaluate their patients’ exposure to both allergic and nonallergic triggers and that they understand how outdoor air pollution affects indoor environments. Along these lines, allergists should be familiar with the ways indoor air quality is monitored and know how to interpret results so they can advise patients about environmental control interventions.

Environmental mold is one pollutant that can have a serious impact on indoor air quality. Using the environmental treatment protocol can help treat environmental mold.

Authors of the study: Jonathan A. Bernstein MDa, Neil Alexis PhDb, Hyacinth Bacchus NPc, I. Leonard Bernstein MDa, Pat Fritz BSd, Elliot Horner PhDe, Ning Li MD, PhDf, Stephany Mason PhDe, Andre Nel MD, PhDf, John Oullette MDg, Kari Reijula MDh, Tina Reponen PhDi, James Seltzer MDj, Alisa Smith PhDk and Susan M. Tarlo MBBSl

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