How to Decrease
Indoor Air Pollution
Is Indoor Air Pollution Affecting your Indoor Air Quality?
Most homeowners view the inside of their homes as a safe haven from dust, allergens, and other outside contaminants that can cause medical-related conditions such as asthma and allergies. However, over time many of these outdoor pollutants can easily become indoor air pollutants if the proper care and maintenance are not put to practice. In many cases, a home’s indoor air quality can be much worse than the air you breathe outside.
Common Forms of Indoor Air Pollution
The first form of indoor air pollution that comes to mind for many homeowners is carbon monoxide. Due to an odorless smell and extremely dangerous health risks, one of the most important detectors you can have in your home is a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide is produced from the partial combustion of a variety of fossil fuels. However, outside of carbon monoxide, many homeowners are not familiar with other common forms of indoor air pollution including:
- Radon: An odorless gas that is produced underground from the breaking down of uranium. This gas poses many health risks including an increased risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Lead Particles: Due to lead being widely used in house paint up until the late 1970s, lead particles can become airborne over time. Risks include many neurological disorders and physical growth development issues.
- Asbestos: Just like lead, asbestos was used as a material in the building of homes up until the early 197’s. This group of minerals can lead to hazardous respiratory conditions including an increased risk of developing lunch cancer.
- Mold: A variety of different fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors. Known primarily for enhancing allergic reactions, mold can also lead to symptoms associated with common colds such as coughing, sneezing, nasal irritation, and sore throats.
Ways to Combat Indoor Air Pollution
When trying to combat indoor air pollution, it is always a smart idea to start with identifying what specific type of indoor air contaminants you are having problems with. Many local HVAC service companies offer accurate assessments on the status of your indoor air quality. Service technicians use diagnostic equipment to measure to contaminant levels of each form of indoor air pollution inside your home.
Double Check Your Air Detectors
This is especially important for homes with small children. Many indoor air pollutants are odorless gases. Some of these odorless gases can be fatal. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide and radar detector in your homes, properly functioning at all times. We recommend checking the batteries at least three to four times a year. A good rule of thumb is to check them every time you change your furnace filter.
Consider Investing in Indoor Air Quality Products
Indoor air quality is arguably one of the hottest topics throughout the heating & cooling industry. After weighing the results of an indoor air pollution diagnostic report, we advise you do some research on specific products designed to combat or prevent any forms of indoor air pollution that is being found in your home. If the quality of the air in your home is a priority, we recommend taking a preventative approach to common indoor contaminants by installing home air purification products such as home air purification systems and the Apco UV Light.
Control the Moisture Levels in your Home Using a Dehumidifier and Humidifier
With mold being one of the most common indoor contaminants, controlling your indoor moisture levels can help prevent an environment where mold can form. Dehumidifiers can help maintain proper levels of moisture in your indoor air.
3 Facts On Why You Should Care Indoor Air Pollution
- Asthma rates throughout children have jumped 72% over the last decade
- Some of the most common indoor air pollutants come from household products you use every single day
- Your indoor air pollution can at times be up to 100 times worse than outdoor air pollution
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