What are the health risks associated with poor IAQ?

Poor IAQ means that the air is laden with dust particles that can land on or be inhaled by workers. Depending on their chemical composition, these particles can cause various health issues such as eye irritation, dermatitis and allergic reactions, including rashes and asthma. The severity of the issues is correlates to the duration of exposure.

If dust is inhaled, individuals may experience respiratory problems like coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. The type of dust particles significantly affects the severity of lung injuries. Metals and crystalline silica, for example, are highly toxic. If swallowed, silica particles can release toxic substances.

Acute health problems associated with toxic dust can lead to chronic diseases over time. For instance, a persistent cough can develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).