It is important to understand that by reducing outdoor air pollution we will in turn reduce indoor air pollution resulting in better indoor air quality and better health. In offices around Australia polluted outdoor air is what is drawn in by air-conditioning units supplying air to the indoor environment. Air-conditioning units are not air filters and only contain a filter that will prevent large particles from damaging the equipment. Indoor air quality monitoring conducted by Ecolibria in city offices and those in close proximity to busy roads has revealed elevated levels of carbon monoxide ( CO ), ultrafine particulate matter and hydrocarbons.

Mould causes various health effects such as eye, nose and throat irritation / inflammation, wheezing, nasal congestion, sneezing, sinusitis, asthma, recurring colds, headaches, coughing and sore throat, fatigue not eradicated by rest, Candida, rashes and various skin conditions. If the mould problem is not rectified the health problems will escalate and have the potential to cause long term health effects. With prolonged toxic mould exposure the endocrine and nervous system can be affected and this can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, mood changes and memory loss. The main concern is breathing in toxic mould spores as this can seriously compromise the body’s immune system. This is particularly the case of those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, infants and those with existing respiratory ailments such as asthma. In some cases toxic mould exposure has been fatal to humans and animals.

This article was written in September 2011 and discusses what to look out for when purchasing a property. An easy checklist for the new home buyer can include ensuring that there is no mould or moisture issues under or in the house itself. Good ventilation and no visible mobile phone base stations or high voltage power lines are easy things to look out for.

Ensure that you know what the property was previously used for, as you do not want to be situated on an old tip or where industry or a petrol stattion used to be based. Staying a good distance away from busy traffic routes and roads will also help in relation to indoor air quality. This is not all discussed in the article but it is a good article in terms of warning that a house and the environment in which you live and or work every day can and will affect your health and wellbeing.