With constant news headlines urging a reduction in carbon monoxide emissions and adoption of more environmentally-safe habits, not much thought is given to our indoor air quality. The scary fact, however, is that indoor air quality is more of a problem than outdoor air!
According to research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be from two to five times as polluted as outdoor air. Since we spend the majority of our lives indoor, this puts us at risk of many health issues including asthma, allergies and even cancer.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
When it comes to your home, what do you think are the biggest top indoor air pollutants?
Tobacco smoke, mould, harmful cleaning chemicals and poorly ventilated cooking and heating appliances are some indoor air pollution sources that you may have considered.
But what about lesser-known ones like inadequate ventilation, or radon, a toxic gas that may be found in building materials or soil/bedrock? Don’t forget about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are commonly found in carpets, furniture and synthetic air fresheners.
Like the causes, the harmful effects of indoor air pollution are widely varied. Short-term effects include dry eyes and throat, dizziness, fatigue and fever.
More serious health concerns range from asthma and autism to Tourette’s syndrome and even cancer.
Wondering what can be done about improving your indoor air quality? Here are three easy solutions that will result in you breathing healthier air today.
1. Get Rid of the Cause(s)
Even though synthetic scents are a leading cause of indoor air pollution, they surround us in products like air fresheners, dryer sheets and garbage bags. Make the switch to unscented or truly naturally scented products.
Regularly clean air conditioners, dehumidifiers and humidifiers so that they do not emit harmful air. Test your home for radon every five years, after buying a home or completing major renovations.
Avoid idling your car in your attached garage to prevent harmful emissions from entering your home. And if you’re a smoker, keep it outside. Second-hand smoke is a common air pollutant that is especially harmful to children.
2. Properly Ventilate Your Home
Dilute indoor air pollutants by letting fresh air into your home on a regular basis. Turn on bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to do the same.
Bringing fresh air into your home helps to break down the buildup of moisture, odours, gases, dust and other air pollutants found inside your home.
3. Schedule a Duct Cleaning Service
One of the easiest ways to start breathing cleaner air today is by scheduling a duct cleaning service.
Getting your home’s ducts cleaned regularly will ensure that any signs of dust, mould and mildew are removed from the air. Especially great for family members with breathing or allergy problems, duct cleaning results in your household breathing in safer, cleaner air.
Be sure to hire a duct cleaner that uses an environmentally-friendly duct cleaning method so that no detergent or harmful chemicals are used. Contact us today for more information!
