We often focus on the air quality outside and pollution, but there’s a lot of indoor air pollutants that contaminate the air and negatively impact our health. From household products to environmental allergens, we’re exposed to plenty of sources of pollution within our homes that can cause cancer, respiratory conditions, and other health issues.
If you want to improve your indoor air quality, it’s crucial to identify and mitigate the risks of common indoor air pollutants and breathe clean, fresh air within your home. Here’s everything you need to know from the pros at Fetch-A-Tech.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
Here are the common sources of indoor air pollution:
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter refers to the tiny particles suspended in the air that can be inhaled into the lungs. These particles can originate from various sources, including dust, pet dander, and combustion activities.
Particulate matter is categorized by size, and within 2.5 and 10 are the most concerning for human health. Particles at 2.5 are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory problems and exacerbating existing conditions like asthma. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can help reduce particulate matter indoors.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. Common sources of VOCs include household products like paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, and even long-term health effects. Opting for low-VOC or VOC-free products, ensuring proper ventilation, and introducing indoor plants known for air-purifying abilities are effective strategies to mitigate VOC levels indoors.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings through the ground. It is odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect without specialized testing. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. Testing for radon is crucial, and if the levels are high, it’s important to take steps to mitigate it like sealing cracks in the foundation and installing ventilation systems.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments and can release spores into the air, triggering allergies and respiratory issues. To prevent mold growth, it’s essential to control moisture levels in your home. Regularly inspect and repair leaks, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to combat the growth of mold and mildew.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion or fossil fuels. Common sources of carbon monoxide include gas appliances, fireplaces, and vehicles. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious health issues – even death – so installing carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring proper ventilation are vital to your home’s safety. You should also schedule regular maintenance for gas appliances to mitigate the risk.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas found in many household products, including certain furniture, carpets, and pressed wood products. Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory issues and is classified as a carcinogen. Choosing products labeled as low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free, ensuring good ventilation, and allowing new furniture and construction materials to off-gas before bringing them indoors are essential for minimizing exposure.
Older Building Materials
Homes built before the 1980s may contain materials that release harmful substances over time. Lead-based paint and asbestos, for example, pose serious health risks when their particles become airborne. If you suspect that your home contains such materials, it’s important to bring in professionals for indoor air quality testing, and if necessary, get the situation corrected. Renovating older homes should be done with caution to avoid disturbing these materials and releasing pollutants into the air.
Household Combustion Appliances
Appliances like gas stoves, wood-burning fireplaces, and kerosene heaters can release pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter into the air. Ensuring proper ventilation, regular maintenance, and using these appliances in well-ventilated areas can minimize the risks. Installing carbon monoxide detectors is essential for early detection of any issues with combustion appliances.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects that feed on skin flakes and thrive in warm, humid environments. Their feces and body parts can become airborne and may trigger allergies to sensitive people as well. Cleaning regularly to maintain a clean, dust-free home can help reduce the presence of dust mites. You can also use an allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers for more protection.
Aerosol Sprays
Products delivered in aerosol sprays, such as air fresheners, hairsprays, and deodorants, can release VOCs and other potentially harmful chemicals. Choosing pump or squeeze bottle alternatives, using these products in well-ventilated areas, and minimizing their use can help mitigate their impact on indoor air quality.
Phthalates in Plastics
Phthalates are chemicals commonly found in plastics and can be released into the air over time. They are known endocrine disruptors and may contribute to respiratory issues and other health problems. It’s important to choose phthalate-free products, especially for items like children’s toys, shower curtains, and food containers, to minimize your exposure.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Reduce Air Pollution
Change Your AC Filter
Air conditioning systems work hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. When they cycle through the air, they’re filtering out some common air pollutants. Over time, the air filters fill up and stop working effectively, it can lead to more pollutants finding their way into your conditioned air. In addition, a dirty air filter can lead to more wear and tear on your system and costly repairs or breakdowns in the future.
It’s important to change your AC filters regularly and keep up with AC maintenance to ensure your system is operating at its best.
Don’t Forget Other Air Filters
Your AC air filter is important, but that’s not the only filter that factors into your home’s indoor air quality. Make sure you check the filters on other household appliances, such as your kitchen vents, clothes dryer, and vacuum cleaner. These filters should be cleaned or replaced at least every few months or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Check Your Air Ducts
Air ducts are responsible for distributing hot and cold air throughout your home and providing a comfortable climate in each room. If your ducts are not installed properly or maintained, they can distribute contaminants from one room to another. Over time, dust, dander, and even mold can accumulate in your ducts, reducing your overall indoor air quality. Hire a professional for duct cleaning and inspection to ensure your ducts are circulating fresh, clean air.
Use Cooking Vents
Many indoor air pollutants originate in the kitchen. Gas stoves release harmful contaminants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even electric stove burners produce those same pollutants, just at lower levels, and other particulates that you can absorb. When you’re cooking, make sure you turn on your kitchen vents or open a window to help the air filter out.
Keep Up with Cleaning
Rugs and carpets do more than increase the comfort of your home. They can act as their own air filters and may trap dust or other particulates in the fibers. Make sure you clean your carpets and rugs at least once a week to ensure they’re not undoing all your hard work.
Control Humidity in Your Home
Moist, humid conditions breed mold and mildew that can trigger respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. Hot summer months are especially concerning for mold growth. Dehumidifiers can help you reduce the amount of moisture n the air and curb the growth of irritating molds.
Rely on Some Indoor Plants
Plants are nature’s built-in air filters. Bringing in a few indoor plants can make a huge difference in your home’s indoor air quality while also enhancing your home décor. Small plants like ferns and lilies, as well as larger palms, are ideal for pulling contaminants out of the air.
Get Professional Testing
While you can test your home’s indoor air quality with DIY testing kits, you may get better results out of professional testing. These tests are more comprehensive and include a wide range of tests for the most concerning contaminants, and your technician can make personalized recommendations based on the results to ensure you know what steps to take to mitigate the damage of indoor pollutants.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality for Your Home and Health
The quest for better indoor air quality requires a comprehensive and vigilant approach. Whether you have to manage your household activities or choose better products and materials, you can reduce the risks associated with indoor air pollutants with a little effort, maintenance, and monitoring.
Want to improve your indoor air quality? The team at Fetch-A-Tech can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
