Most of us think air pollution only exists in the outside air, but the air inside our homes and workplace can also become polluted and affect our health. Whether it comes from poor ventilation, or unwanted gasses and particles in the air, the inside air we breathe can be a health concern. People spend a large portion of their time indoors, especially in their homes. The air inside can sometimes be even more polluted than the air outside.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
The air inside your home can become polluted if the home has poor ventilation. Homes are built to keep outdoor air out. When not enough outside air circulates through a home, the inside air can become polluted. This results from a failure to get rid of pollutants and gasses that come from different products within the home.
The other cause of indoor air pollution is from certain products in the home. Whether it be gasses from stoves, cleaning supplies used in the home, certain wood used for cabinets or furniture, and even from the products you buy at the store; many fumes can be emitted inside a home.
Our homes are built airtight now and allow for little air to circulate through. Because of the building improvements in our homes, indoor air pollution has become worse in the last few decades. If air pollution gets too bad inside, it can begin to cause health concerns.
What are the Health Concerns of Indoor Air Pollution?
Indoor air pollution can affect health both immediately and in the long-term. Short-term symptoms that you may experience are similar to the common cold but affect you a little more intensely. You may start experiencing itchy eyes, a sore throat, a cough and/or a headache. If things are more severe, you may experience breathing problems. Many of the immediate symptoms will subside after you leave the polluted area. It’s best to head outside as fresh air can alleviate the discomfort.
Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can result in much more serious health issues. Some of these may not expose themselves until years down the road. The excessive harmful pollutants and carcinogens in the air can cause forms of cancer and possibly even death.
How Can You Improve the Indoor Air Quality?
To avoid results that can harm your health there are a few actions you can take to lessen the pollution inside your home.
Keep your floors clean
The dust that collects on floors throughout your home can contain toxins. Keep the floors in your home clean and you will reduce the pollutants. Vacuum up dust frequently and mop floors after vacuuming. Mopping will pick up any leftover dust that may have been missed.
Watch for excess moisture
Dust and mold thrive in a moist environment. Keep the humidity in your home under control. Moist air can lead to a higher pollutant count in the home.
Don’t smoke inside
Secondhand smoke is the leading cause of indoor air pollution. There are over 4,000 poisons in cigarette smoke. Even if you aren’t a smoker, allowing someone to smoke in your home can expose you to the harmful pollutants contained in cigarettes. The fumes will remain in your home air and any prolonged exposure to both direct cigarette smoke and secondhand smoke can result in serious health problems and even death.
Opt for green products
Both cleaning supplies and pesticides can often contain harmful ingredients that leave pollutants in the air. Many green products are free of harmful ingredients and can be found in most supermarkets and stores. Using products like baking soda and vinegar to clean instead of those with harsh ingredients will free your breathing air of many harmful toxins. There are also green products, which are free of harmful contaminants, to control pests.
Improve Your Air Quality, Improve Your Life
By following these simple steps, you too can enjoy a safe, pollutant-free home. Should you have any other questions, contact your local trusted air conditioning experts on what options are available to you in keeping your family’s air space healthy and safe.
Amanda Peters writes for One Hour Air Tampa about HVAC topics, DIY home improvement and energy efficiency. You can read more of her tips at the One Hour Air Blog and get more home maintenance and repair advice.