Indoor air quality problems are a widespread and often underestimated challenge in Finland, which significantly affects our health and well-being. Poor indoor air can cause a variety of symptoms, such as coughing, fatigue, skin symptoms and even more serious illnesses. Indoor air quality problems are especially common in workplaces, but they also occur in homes, new houses and apartment buildings. In this guide, we discuss the most common symptoms of indoor air quality problems, their causes and ways to identify and solve them.
The most common symptoms of indoor air problems
Indoor air quality problems can be insidious. They don’t usually appear suddenly or dramatically, but symptoms gradually creep into your daily life. Sometimes it can take a long time before you realize that your symptoms may be related to indoor air quality. This makes it challenging to identify problems, but certain common symptoms can give you clues that something is wrong with your indoor air.
One important characteristic of indoor air-related symptoms is their temporal and spatial relationship. If you notice that your symptoms ease, for example, on vacation or after a day at work, but return in a certain environment, it is very likely that the cause can be found in the indoor air.
Respiratory symptoms: the first warning signs
Respiratory symptoms are one of the most common signs of indoor air quality problems. They can range from mild irritation to recurrent infections.
Persistent cough and sore throat: These symptoms often occur in rooms with humidity, mold spores, or dust. Dry or irritating air can worsen symptoms in the throat and respiratory tract.
Nasal congestion: This can be a result of small particles in the air, such as dust or emissions from building materials.
Shortness of breath and worsening of asthma: Long-term exposure to mold, dust, or chemical compounds can cause or worsen asthma symptoms. For some, this may manifest as a feeling that the air is “heavy” to breathe.
Recurrent respiratory infections: If you or a family member has persistent flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose or sinus infections, the problem may be in the indoor air.
Skin symptoms: your body's warning sign
Indoor air problems can also show up on your skin. This may come as a surprise, as many people don't associate skin symptoms with the air they breathe.
Dryness and itching: Dry air irritates the skin, especially in winter when heating dries out the indoor air even more.
Redness and rash: Mold spores and chemical compounds, such as VOCs, can cause allergic reactions on the skin.
Local irritation: Symptoms often focus on the face, hands, or other areas exposed to airborne pollutants.
Eye irritation: an often underestimated symptom
Your eyes are sensitive to indoor air pollutants. If you experience discomfort in your eyes in a certain space, it could be a sign of poor indoor air quality.
Feeling of dryness and itching: This is especially common in offices where ventilation is inadequate or humidity is too low.
Redness and burning: Eye symptoms can be caused by chemical compounds or dust that irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes.
General symptoms: when you feel constantly drained
Indoor air problems don't always manifest as individual symptoms. They can affect your overall well-being and make you feel constantly tired or irritable.
Fatigue and headaches: These are common symptoms in spaces where ventilation is not working properly. Stinky air and high levels of carbon dioxide can impair concentration and cause persistent headaches.
Nausea and dizziness: Chemical emissions such as formaldehyde can cause these symptoms, especially if exposure is long-term.
Fatigue: If you find yourself feeling unusually tired all the time, indoor air pollutants may be a contributing factor.
Other symptoms: nonspecific but significant
Indoor air problems can manifest in many other ways that are not always obvious. These can include:
Hoarseness: Dry or irritating air can affect the vocal cords and cause hoarseness.
Fever and flu-like symptoms: Mold and bacteria can cause the immune system to activate, which resembles symptoms of an infection.
Runny nose and eyes: This could be a sign of an allergic reaction to things like dust or mold spores.
Recognizing symptoms and the connection to indoor air
One of the clearest ways to identify symptoms caused by indoor air problems is to observe when and where they occur. If you notice that you feel better, for example on vacation or after a day at work, but the symptoms return as soon as you return to a certain space, this is a strong sign that the problem is related to indoor air.
Noting the timing and location of your symptoms is the first step towards resolving the problem. Document your symptoms and report them to your employer, housing association, or indoor air quality expert if necessary so that the cause of the problem can be identified and corrected.
Indoor air quality problems can manifest in many ways – from coughs and sore throats to skin conditions and constant fatigue. Although symptoms are individual, they all have one thing in common: they worsen in poor indoor air and improve in better environments. By recognizing these signs early, you can address the problem and ensure that indoor air becomes healthy and safe for you and your loved ones.
Causes of indoor air problems
Indoor air problems can be caused by many different factors that degrade air quality.
The most common reasons are:
Insufficient ventilation: Insufficient ventilation leads to increased carbon dioxide levels, moisture buildup, and stale air. This creates favorable conditions for the growth of mold and other microbes.
Moisture and mold damage: Moisture damage to structures, such as leaky roofs or pipes, can cause mold growth. Mold spores and their metabolic products can cause health problems.
Chemical emissions (VOCs): Building materials, furniture and interior design products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, which irritate the respiratory tract and skin.
Fine particles: Cooking, smoking, and outdoor air pollution can increase the amount of fine particles in indoor air, which can cause respiratory symptoms.
Radon: A radioactive gas from the soil that can accumulate in buildings and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Temperature and humidity: Temperatures that are too high or low and humidity that are not suitable can cause discomfort and health symptoms.
Indoor air problems in the workplace
When you enter a workplace, you expect it to be a comfortable and safe environment where you can focus on your work. But what happens when the air in the workplace is not good? Indoor air problems are surprisingly common in workplaces, and they can affect employees’ well-being in ways that are not always immediately noticeable. A study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health shows that around one in five women and one in ten men have experienced indoor air-related symptoms at work. This is not a small number – it is a huge number of people suffering from something that may remain completely invisible.
Often the problem is due to inadequate ventilation. Think about it for a moment: if there are several people in a room and the air is not exchanged enough, carbon dioxide levels rise and the air becomes stuffy. At this point, you may notice fatigue, headaches or even difficulty concentrating, but few people can connect these symptoms to ventilation. The problem is exacerbated when the premises have an old ventilation system that is no longer working properly, or if the filters are dirty. This is not just a technical problem – it is directly related to how well you can cope and do your job.
Another common cause of indoor air quality problems is humidity. If a building has had water damage, poor waterproofing or there is moisture in the structures, it can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. And mold is not just an unpleasant smelling problem – its spores can irritate the respiratory tract, cause allergies and, in the worst case, asthma. It is something that cannot be ignored, because if it continues for a long time, it can make the work environment completely unbearable.
But indoor air problems aren’t always as visible as mold or stale air. Many offices harbor chemical emissions that are completely invisible. Have you ever considered that new office furniture, paint, or carpeting can release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds)? These compounds can irritate the respiratory tract, cause headaches, and affect your overall mood. This is especially common in new or recently renovated offices, and employees often start experiencing symptoms soon after moving in or renovating.
And then there’s dust and particulate matter. It may sound trivial, but poor cleaning or neglecting old ventilation ducts can increase the amount of dust and particulate matter in the air. These particles can irritate the respiratory tract, aggravate asthma, and cause ongoing irritation. Small things like the quality of cleaning or regular filter changes can have a huge impact on how your work environment feels and how well you can function.
Employer liability: why this is not just a technical problem
It is important to understand that indoor air quality issues are not just an individual problem – they are a workplace issue. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that the working environment is healthy and safe. In practice, this means that if employees experience symptoms related to indoor air quality, the employer must respond. This does not mean just a quick check, but a thorough investigation to identify the root causes of the problems.
When an employee tells a supervisor or occupational health and safety representative that indoor air is causing problems, it is the employer's responsibility to initiate an investigation. This often requires the help of experts, such as indoor air researchers or ventilation engineers. They can take measurements, check the functionality of the ventilation system, and look for possible moisture or mold damage. Based on these investigations, repairs can be made, such as improving ventilation, replacing filters, or removing moisture damage.
But the employer's responsibility does not end with fixing the problems. It is equally important to ensure that the problems do not recur. This means regular maintenance of the ventilation system, changing filters and a general review of how the indoor air in the workplace is kept healthy. Indoor air quality is not something that can be fixed once – it is an ongoing concern.
What can the employee do?
Although the employer is responsible, the employee also has a role to play. If you suspect indoor air problems in your workplace, it is important that you speak up. Tell your supervisor or occupational health and safety representative about your symptoms and concerns. If symptoms such as headaches, fatigue or respiratory symptoms disappear over the weekend or holiday but return when you return to work, this is often a clear sign that the problem is related to the indoor air in the workplace. Be proactive and try to document your symptoms so that they can be discussed clearly.
Indoor air problems in the workplace are not just a technical or health-related challenge – they directly affect the well-being, work efficiency and general comfort of employees. Workplace air quality is something that is worth investing in, as healthy indoor air is an investment that improves both the quality of life of employees and the company's results. If indoor air problems arise in your workplace, do not hesitate to address them – it is always worth it.
Indoor air problems at home, in apartment buildings and new buildings
Indoor air quality problems can seem like a distant problem until they start to affect your everyday life. At home, where you expect to be able to relax and recharge, poor indoor air quality can completely change the situation. Suddenly the air feels heavy, the windows fog up, and you wake up in the morning with a stuffy or headache. However, these problems are not limited to old buildings – they can be found in new homes and apartment buildings as well, where the roots of the problems can be found in both structural solutions and lack of maintenance.
At home: what could go wrong?
Homes are private spaces, but that doesn’t mean problems can’t creep in there too. Often, problems start with small things: ventilation isn’t working properly, moisture builds up in the bathroom, or furniture and paint are emitting chemicals into the air that you don’t even notice until symptoms start. You may suffer from a cough, congestion, or your skin may start to become dry and irritated. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as a clogged exhaust vent, but at its worst, it can be related to mold lurking in structures, for example.
Personal responsibility is emphasized at home, as many problems can be prevented with small actions. Regularly checking ventilation, drying the bathroom after a shower, and keeping the air in the room moving are things that sound simple, but they can have a huge impact on indoor air quality.
New buildings: why do problems occur?
Many people think that a new home means a perfect space without any problems. But the truth is that new buildings can be particularly susceptible to indoor air problems. This is because today's tight and energy-efficient structures do not always support adequate ventilation. When a house is too tight, air does not circulate naturally, and the ventilation system must function perfectly to maintain healthy indoor air. Add to this moisture left over from the construction phase or VOCs released from new materials, and problems can start to appear within the first few months of living in the house.
In new homes, the resident plays an important role, but the builder also has a significant responsibility. If the problem is caused by, for example, a poorly functioning ventilation system or a construction defect, the repair work is often the responsibility of the builder. However, as a resident, you can do a lot yourself: ventilate, monitor humidity levels, and make sure that the ventilation is adjusted correctly.
Apartment buildings: community problems
In apartment buildings, indoor air problems can become more complex because there are more people and more common spaces involved. One of the most common problems is related to poorly functioning ventilation. If the system does not remove enough air, stuffiness increases and carbon dioxide levels rise. In addition, neighborhood activities, such as smoking or strongly seasoned foods, can spread through the ventilation to other apartments.
In such situations, the role of the housing association is emphasized. The housing association is responsible for maintaining the common parts of the building, which means servicing the ventilation system, replacing filters and repairing structural problems, such as moisture damage. If you notice problems with the indoor air – for example, persistent moisture or a musty smell – it is important to report it to the housing association. Sometimes the problem can be within an individual apartment, but often solving it requires a whole-house approach.
Responsibility of the housing company and the resident: healthy indoor air through cooperation
Solving indoor air quality problems requires active action by both the housing company and the residents. The housing company is responsible for ensuring that the building is safe and healthy for all residents. This means maintaining ventilation, controlling humidity and, if necessary, carrying out major renovations. The role of the housing company board and property manager is key, but problems can go unnoticed if residents do not report them in a timely manner.
As a resident, you have a responsibility to take care of your own premises and use the systems correctly. This can mean cleaning valves, controlling humidity in the bathroom and reporting problems as soon as they occur. Cooperation with the housing company is key: when both parties do their part, problems can be resolved effectively.
In conclusion: indoor air problems require attention, not worry
Indoor air quality problems can seem like a big challenge, but they are rarely impossible to solve. Whether it’s your own home, a new building or an apartment building, the first step is to understand the cause of the problem and take action. Good indoor air quality is not just a comfort factor – it’s the foundation of health and makes your home a place you truly enjoy. So take care of your indoor air, because it takes care of you and your family.
Solutions to indoor air problems
Ventilation optimization
Make sure your ventilation is working properly. Clean ducts and replace filters regularly.
Consider a ventilation automation system that adjusts ventilation based on carbon dioxide levels.
Humidity control
Check and repair leaks, such as pipes and roofs.
Install a dehumidifier in damp areas, such as bathrooms.
Reducing chemicals
Choose low-emission building materials and furniture.
Ventilate thoroughly after installing new materials.
Radon control
Measure the radon level in your home. If the radon level is high, install a radon well or a negative pressure removal system.
Reducing fine particles
Use efficient HEPA filters in air purifiers.
Avoid smoking and ensure there is adequate exhaust ventilation while cooking.
Prevention of indoor air problems
Preventing indoor air quality problems may sound technical and complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Healthy indoor air quality is a combination of sensible everyday choices and a little forethought. It doesn’t require miracles, but it does require regular attention. Think of indoor air quality as the hidden heart of your home – it affects everything, but often sits in the background until something goes wrong. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do before problems arise.
The first step in prevention is to take care of your ventilation. It is one of the most important elements that keeps the air fresh and clean. If your ventilation system is not working properly, bad air will stay inside and impurities such as carbon dioxide and moisture will start to accumulate. This leads to stuffy air, and soon symptoms such as fatigue and headaches can come with it. Regular maintenance – changing filters and cleaning ducts – is a simple way to ensure that your system is working as it should. Think of it like cleaning the lungs of your home – it is not visible from the outside, but its effects are felt with every breath.
Another important thing is moisture control. Moisture is a tricky problem that can go unnoticed until it’s too late. A small leak in your bathroom or kitchen may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can cause moisture damage, and it’s not long before mold starts to grow. That’s why it’s important to dry out wet surfaces, use exhaust fans, and make sure moisture doesn’t build up in the structures. It’s not just about aesthetics – it’s about the health of your home and your well-being.
Then there are these invisible enemies, such as radon and VOCs. Radon, that gas that comes from the ground unnoticed, can go completely unnoticed unless it is measured. In certain areas of Finland, radon is a significant health risk, and it is not worth taking unnecessary risks with it. Measuring it is an easy and inexpensive way to ensure that your home is safe. The same applies to VOCs, which are released from new furniture, floors and paints. These can be difficult to notice, but their effects can be significant – respiratory irritation, headaches and even long-term health effects. Ventilate properly, especially after renovations and new purchases, and favor low-emission materials.
Ultimately, it’s about staying one step ahead. Ensuring indoor air quality is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring. Sometimes that means keeping your eyes peeled for leaks and damage, sometimes it means calling in a professional to take more detailed measurements. It’s not just about fixing problems, it’s about preventing them before they even have a chance to happen.
When you take care of these basics – ventilation, humidity control and material selection – you’re already well on your way. Prevention may not seem like it will produce immediate visible results, but in the long run it will save money, health and nerves. Healthy indoor air is not just a comfort factor – it’s a basic requirement for life that affects everything, how you feel and cope in everyday life. Invest in it, and you’ll literally breathe easier. Here are the key points:
Regular maintenance: Ventilation systems must be maintained at least once a year.
Building moisture management: Check for leaks and take care of waterproofing.
Measurements and surveys: Radon and VOC measurements help detect problems early.
The right material choices: Choose low-emission materials and avoid unnecessary chemicals.
Indoor air quality problems are a complex but manageable challenge. Solving them requires careful problem identification, regular maintenance, and long-term prevention. Whether you are a homeowner, employee, or employer, poor indoor air quality directly affects your health and well-being. Investing in healthy indoor air is an investment that pays off in the form of a better quality of life and fewer health problems.
IVAeris Oy specializes in optimizing ventilation and improving indoor air quality. Contact us and ensure that your indoor climate is safe and healthy for everyone.
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IVAeris Ltd.
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