Poor Indoor Air Quality Can Be Excellent Headache Trigger

June 3, 2008 - PRLog -- Kirkland, WA – According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), the first week in June is Headache Awareness Week, and Al Fenkner, owner of Ductz of Kirkland part of the nation’s leading air duct cleaning business, is advising Seattle area  residents on the relationship between poor indoor air quality and headache triggers.  According to the NHF and a report entitled Indoor Air Pollution, published by the American Lung Association (ALA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American Medical Association, the following are indoor air quality issues that can be major headache triggers:

1.   Carbon Monoxide exposure:  When a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is not functioning properly, it can leak Carbon Monoxide in to the residence, which can cause headaches among other symptoms.  Fenkner recommends having your HVAC system inspected annually.
2.   Environmental Tobacco Smoke:  A complex concoction of over 4000 chemicals, many being toxic, environmental tobacco smoke can wreak havoc on the health of those who experience frequent exposure.  Contrary to popular belief, ventilating a smoking area with common methods such as opening a window does not remove the dangerous carcinogens from the air.  The best way to prevent tobacco smoke from triggering a headache or causing any of the other ill side-effect is to avoid exposure, and to insist that smoking be done outdoors.
3.   Sick Building Syndrome (SBS):  Common in office and apartment buildings, SBS refers to the situation in which the population of a building shares similar symptoms, and experiences the alleviation of symptoms upon removal from the shared environment.  A contaminated HVAC system can be a contributor to this situation, and one of the chief physical complaints is headaches.  If you suspect SBS in your office or apartment building, contact your building manager promptly.

“As indoor air professionals, the Ductz of Kirkland team sees it as our duty to go beyond HVAC reconditioning and restoration to look out for the overall well being of our customers,” said Fenkner.  “It is our hope that this advice will help the mission of National Headache Awareness Week, and help Seattle area residents avoid a potentially painful situation.”

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DUCTZ, the nation’s largest heating, ventilation and air conditioning restoration business, was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as the number one franchise in their category and the 13th top new franchise for 2008.  From natural disasters and environmental emergencies to residential air duct cleaning, America depends on DUCTZ for indoor air quality.  For more information, or to schedule service, call 425-889-4500 or visit online at www.ductzofkirkland.com.