The quality of indoor air is vital for the comfort and health of tenants, workers, students, customers, etc. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been connected to headaches, decreased ability to concentrate, fatique, eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, etc. Additionally, exposure to poor IAQ, indoor environments or specific air contaminants has been linked to specific diseases and health problems like asthma (particularly when indoor environments are damp). Exposure to certain contaminants (i.e. asbestos and radon) may not cause immediate harm or symptoms, but have been indicated as cancer causing years down the road. For these reasons, the state of California has put in place regulations to ensure that southern California properties meet an appropriate indoor air quality standard.
There are a number of factors that affect IAQ: ventilation, temperature, extreme humidity levels (high or low), remodeling projects, activities in or near the building affecting the air being ventilated into the building, etc.
California Department of Public Health’s Indoor Air Quality Program investigates indoor air pollution in California. They also develop solutions to promote healthy IAQ and healthy overall indoor environments. In fact, the State of California Department of Public Health contains the first State Indoor Air Quality Program established in the nation. It works in conjunction with key government agencies, academic facilities, and industry leaders through the California Interagency Working Group.
Southern California Property Owners Worried About IAQ Should Check for:
- Poor Ventilation: To maintain a high standard of indoor air quality, a property needs to have air circulating from the outside. This requires appropriate ventilation of the structure.
- Problems Controlling the Temperature: In order to maintain a healthy indoor environment and IAQ, check regularly to ensure the indoor temperature controls are functioning properly and accurately measuring indoor temperature, etc.
- High or Low Humidity: Unhealthy levels of humidity can cause a problem for any southern California property owner who is attempting to meet or exceed the IAQ standards set by the state.
- Recent Remodeling: When remodeling projects are being completed (or have recently been completed) in or near the building, dust and other contaminants can easily harm indoor air quality. It is important to govern projects with IAQ in mind in order to minimize the negative effects.
- Mold, Cleaning Supplies, Pesticides, Chemicals: All of these items/issues can result in poor IAQ of your southern California property if not managed appropriately. Check with vendors and service companies involved in the maintenance of your property to ensure that they are incorporating preventive procedures in their work to avoid any harm to the area’s IAQ.
If you have other questions regarding meeting and maintaining the IAQ standard set by the state of California, please get in touch with your southern California real estate attorney at The Law Office of the Law Office of Ernesto Aldover. We can assist you in determining how to manage any legal issues or litigation arising from IAQ issues.
