PORTLAND, Ore. - Nine out of 10 homes in North America have IAQ problems, according to data in the newly released AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007. The report’s findings are based on AirAdvice Inc.’s analysis of 49,130 IAQ tests conducted in homes across North America in cooperation with a network of more than 1,500 HVAC professionals.

Overall, 96.7 percent of all homes tested had at least one of six IAQ problems - particle allergens, chemical pollutants, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and carbon monoxide.

Most homes had multiple indoor air problems. Eighty-three percent of all homes tested exhibited two or more of the six problem types. Nearly half, 49.8 percent, had three or more problems, and 18.9 percent had four or more.

“The data clearly shows us that there are a great many people out there that are likely to be living in a home with poor indoor air quality,” said Jim Crowder, AirAdvice CEO. “Day in and day out, they and their families may be breathing unhealthy air. This data points to the tremendous opportunity for the HVAC industry to help these people. No one is in a better position than the HVAC contractor to find and fix indoor air quality problems in the home.”

The report provides HVAC contractors detailed statistics and information on IAQ problems, as well as consumer information. Highlights from the 28-page report include:

• The most common IAQ problem in North American homes is particle allergens. Over 91 percent of homes tested showed elevated particle allergen levels.

• Chemical pollutant (volatile organic compound) problems were the second-most frequent type of problem found. Elevated chemical pollutant levels were found in 70 percent of homes. Some of these pollutants are known carcinogens.

• In many homes, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity levels were outside the recommended ranges in 45 percent, 30 percent, and 49 percent of cases, respectively.

• Carbon monoxide was found at elevated levels in 2 percent of homes.

“This report is a tool for contractors to help their customers understand why healthy indoor air is so important for their well-being and comfort,” said Lucas Klesch, AirAdvice senior IAQ chemist.

For more information, or to download the report, visit www.airadvice.com.

Publication date: 07/02/2007