September 13th, 2021

If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, your home or office may be the underlying factor.  Poor indoor air quality is the most overlooked and the most manageable problem to fix.

Poor Air Quality
By Pierre Mouchette | Real Property Experts LLC

Did You Know That Poor Indoor Air Quality Causes Headaches?
Do you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines?  Most Americans lose a few days per month due to head pain, and for some individuals, this number can climb to ten or more days spent in pain every month.  Research indicates that chronic headaches are on the rise, and poor indoor air quality at home and work is to blame!  Poor indoor air quality is the most overlooked and the most manageable problem to fix. 
Note, research shows that women were particularly susceptible to the headache-causing effects of polluted indoor air.
 
The Following Toxins Contribute to Headaches
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are an umbrella term that refers to several different toxic chemicals released into the air of homes and offices by paint, treated wood, furnishings, cleaners, building materials, office supplies, etc.  These include chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene (known carcinogens), propylene glycol, and acetone.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, VOCs are a proven headache trigger.  They cause headaches both by inflaming the sinuses and by causing damage to the brain and neurological system.
Familiar sources of VOC emissions are:

• Mold and Allergens - many homes and office buildings provide the ideal containment chamber for toxic mold and common allergens like dust mites and pollen.  Constantly being exposed to these allergens leads to chronic sinus inflammation and even sinus infections, both of which can cause severe headaches.  Additionally, some varieties of mold contain dangerous particles called mycotoxins.  These mycotoxins damage the liver and kidneys and cause chronic inflammation, migraine headaches, and severe fatigue.  Because mycotoxins are hazardous, it is essential never to attempt to remove mold yourself. 
  
  Mold is not always found in prominent locations, such as the bathroom or basement walls.  Still, it often lurks within ventilation systems and air conditioning units, which can flourish thanks to high moisture levels and low light conditions. 

 

• Ultrafine Particulate Matter (PM) - is a particle that is so small that it can become deeply embedded in the lungs, causing lung damage and cardiovascular issues.  This particulate matter can be released into the home via combustion reactions, e.g., using fireplaces and wood stoves.  Other sources for particulate matter include printers, fax machines, photocopiers, and other electronic devices.  Ultrafine Particulates are measured using a laser particle scanner is used.

• Formaldehyde - a cancer-causing gas found in many construction materials and household products, such as foam insulation, particleboard, pressed wood products (laminates), disinfectants, paints, varnishes, carpet adhesives, cardboard, cosmetics, and furniture (especially baby furniture).
  
  Exposure to formaldehyde causes irritating eyes, throat, or nose, while others can get headaches, dizziness, nausea, or coughing.  Exposure increases your chances for nose and throat cancer and can also cause an immune system response when first introduced into your system. These risks range from worrying to reactions associated with the inhalation of the compound and prolonged exposure.

 

• Poor Oxygenation - low oxygen levels are a cause of ‘cluster headaches.’  Unfortunately, as homeowners become more focused on keeping their homes tightly sealed and insulated (to keep in heat and save energy), poorly oxygenated indoor air is prevalent.  Remember that keeping your home adequately ventilated is just as important as keeping it sufficiently insulated, especially if you are prone to headaches.

It also increases the asthma rate among children.
 

• Carbon Monoxide – is a gas found in every home.  Most carbon monoxide detectors are designed to activate only when carbon monoxide levels reach fatal levels.  As such, they usually will not warn homeowners of non-lethal levels in setting off an alarm. 
  
  Humans experience headaches around four parts per million (ppm), and your home detector will not go off until readings exceed 150ppm, which is a life-threatening situation.  This is a problem for headache sufferers, as even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause severe headaches and chronic fatigue. 

 

• Carbon Dioxide – a gas that builds up in homes that are too tight.  Levels above 1200ppm indicate insufficient fresh air exchanges.  Homes that contain elevated carbon dioxide levels will have higher levels of other toxins.  Improving ventilation with a proper air recovery system or using shower exhaust fans may help enhance overall airflow. 

 

• Sewer Gasses – these gasses not only smell but can make you nauseous and induce headaches.  These foul odors contain Sulfur Dioxide, Nitric Oxide, Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Carbon Monoxide.