Radioactive gases, volatile organic compounds, and mold spores sound like pollutants you would find at an abandoned industrial site. Unfortunately for most of us, these irritants are already in our homes and being breathed in by our loved ones. Indoor air pollution is more common than most people think. While it is not as obvious as heavy black smog hanging over the skyline, it can still cause health problems and make allergy sufferers miserable. During the past several years, an increasing amount of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more dangerously polluted than the outdoor air. Consider these alarming statistics:
· The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that indoor air pollution levels can be up to 100 times higher than the air outdoors, even in large cities like Dallas.
· The American College of Allergists says that 50% of illnesses are caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air.
· The American Medical Association stated that 1/3 of our national health bill is directly attributed to indoor air pollution.
· The average person spends over 90% if their time indoors!
Great strides have been made in cleaning up the outdoor air in many cities around the United States. While on the other hand, indoor air pollution has been aggravated by the recent construction technique of “tightening” a home to increase energy efficiency. These “tightening” techniques decrease the ability of outdoor air to enter the home, exacerbating the health issues being created by indoor air pollution. Radon, mold, asbestos, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, VOCs, pet dander, and smoke are just a few of the airborne irritants that could be lurking in your home and negatively affecting your health. Issues ranging from throat irritation and headaches to asthma and lung cancer can all be attributed to these pollutants. In fact, the problems created by poor indoor air quality are so numerous that the EPA has an entire website dedicated to helping Americans address these issues and their solutions.
If you have indoor pets, suffer from allergies, smoke inside, or live in a home built within the last five years, then improving the quality of the air you breathe could mean an improvement in your overall health and wellness. Call Ken’s Heating and Air today to learn how we can solve your family’s indoor air pollution problem.