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Which of the following is an indicator of poor indoor air quality?

  1. Persistent odors

  2. High energy costs

  3. Bright wall colors

  4. Open windows

The correct answer is: Persistent odors

Persistent odors are a strong indicator of poor indoor air quality because they often signify the presence of contaminants or pollutants in the air. These odors can originate from a variety of sources, including mold, off-gassing from materials or furnishings, cooking, cleaning products, and other chemical agents. When these odors are noticeable, it often means that there are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful substances present in the indoor environment, which can have negative health effects on occupants. In contrast, high energy costs might imply issues with heating or cooling systems rather than direct indoor air quality problems. Bright wall colors, while they can impact the perception of space and mood, do not have a direct correlation to air quality. Open windows can actually improve indoor air quality by allowing fresh air to circulate, depending on outdoor air conditions, rather than indicating poor air quality. Therefore, persistent odors are the most definitive sign among the options presented that suggests an indoor environment may not be healthy.