Poor indoor air quality comes from several sources. Pollen and dust come through the windows and doors and on our clothing. Tobacco smoke, gas, oil, kerosene, wood, coal, building materials, insulation that contains asbestos, wet carpets, furniture and cabinets that are made from certain wood products, many household cleaning products, heating and cooling systems, and air fresheners.
We tend to think of air pollution as something outside — smog, ozone, or haze hanging in the air, especially in fall. But the truth is, the air inside homes, offices, and other buildings can be more polluted than the air outside. The air inside your home may be polluted by lead (in house dust), formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners. Some pollutants are tracked into the home. Some arrive via a new mattress or furniture, carpet cleaners, or a coat of paint on the walls.
High quantities of indoor air pollution can stay in the air for a long time if the problem is not fixed. If indoor pollution builds up in your home, you may experience health problems and comfort problems. After being exposed to indoor air pollution, you may start to see the effects immediately. This can include: irritation of the throat, nose and eyes. You or family members may experience headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Improving indoor air quality
The issue of indoor air quality has never been more important. Dangerous air pollutants can get trapped in our homes and many pollutants cannot be seen with the naked eye. Since many people spend a significant amount of time in their homes, the health risks due to indoor air pollution is a huge public health concern. Opening the windows doesn’t always fix the problem. That’s when your reliable Sparta indoor quality service company can help to inspect your home and improve the quality of the air in your home.
Keep Sources of Pollution Out of Your Home
Tip #1 Declare your home a smoke-free zone. Never let anyone smoke indoors. Ask smokers to go outside.
Tip #2 Test your home for radon, an invisible gas that causes lung cancer. Every home should be tested since radon may be found in any home. If your home has high radon, it can be fixed.
Tip #3 Keep humidity levels under 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, as needed. Clean equipment regularly so they don’t become a source of pollution themselves.
Tip #4 Fix all leaks and drips in the home. Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of mold and other pollutants.
Tip #5 Put away food, cover trash and use baits to control pests, like cockroaches.
Tip #6 Avoid burning wood because it adds pollution indoors and out.
Tip #7 Don’t use outdoor wood boilers, also called hydronic heaters, to heat your home’s water. They add unhealthy soot to the air in your neighborhood.
Tip #8 Don’t use scented candles or fragrances to hide odors. Figure out what is causing the odor, then clean that up and ventilate to add fresh air.
Tip #9 Use cleaning, household and hobby products that are less toxic.
Tip #10 Don’t store hazardous chemicals in your home.
Your Sparta indoor air quality service company can improve the quality of the air in your home by servicing your heating or cooling system, inspecting your air ducts, and recommending products that purify the air. Taking the steps to purify the air in your home can make a huge difference and prevent many health problems, illnesses, and symptoms.
