Malfunctioning HVAC systems are often associated with mold and mildew problems in buildings. Table of Contents Workplaces Asthma is the number 1 occupational lung disease and contributes to over 1,600 deaths each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the largest source of IAQ contamination is microbiological contamination. Microbiological contamination can cause a wide variety of physical conditions from headaches and nausea to even death in the most extreme cases. Perhaps the most widely known form of microbiological contamination is Legionella.
More care is needed in decontaminating food preparation surfaces.
Proper hand washing and drying should be emphasized because even casual contact with contaminated surfaces may transfer pathogens onto foods or other places they shouldn't be. In 17 years of medical practice, first as a pediatrician and then as an allergist, Dr. William Spiegel has become convinced that controlling indoor air pollution in a home is often a key prescription for many of his allergy and asthma patients. He's seen the results pay off many times in active, healthier patients who can reduce and sometimes eliminate medication. Dr. Spiegel has blunt advice for people who think their health or comfort may be affected by indoor air pollution. My point is that indoor environmental control strategies should be instituted as soon as you know that there are allergies, if not before.