What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Poor indoor air quality can either subtly or obviously impair our health. Types of health problems it can cause include respiratory illnesses, weakened immune system, allergies and cancer. Here are four causes behind poor indoor air quality and what you can do to protect your health:
1. Formaldehyde
You’ve probably heard of this chemical being dangerous. It’s found in the adhesive of many consumer products, including carpeting, upholstery and plywood paneling. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a potential carcinogen. Not much is yet known about the long-term effects of this chemical, but we do know the short-term effects can cause coughing, wheezing, skin irritation, watery eyes, nausea, and a burning sensation in the throat, nose, and eyes.
2. Cigarette Smoke
Secondhand cigarette smoke in the air is just as dangerous than firsthand smoke, and it’s difficult to get out of a home. Cigarette smoke that gets into the ducts, walls, floors, furniture and basically every part of your home is called thirdhand smoke. It greatly reduces your indoor air quality. You shouldn’t allow smoking inside of the house for these reasons if you want to maintain healthy air. Also, make sure no one smokes near the condensing unit outside your home as cigarette smoke can get inside that way.
3. Household Cleaning Supplies
Some household cleaning supplies create VOCs that contribute to poor indoor air quality. VOCs can cause nausea, headaches, asthma and respiratory illnesses. Even some so-called green cleaning products can emit VOCs. Because it’s important to keep your home clean, you shouldn’t worry so much about this contributor to poor indoor air quality. You can open the windows and doors and create a cross-breeze while cleaning to let fresh air help circulate the VOCs out faster.
4. Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed on dust and release waste products that can cause allergic reactions in humans. You can limit this cause behind poor indoor air quality by cleaning regularly and never allowing dust to build up.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself From These Indoor Air Pollutants?
Hire an indoor air quality company like General Heating & Air Conditioning in Monrovia, CA, to evaluate your home’s indoor air quality. If it turns out you have poor indoor air quality, we’ll make recommendations on improving it. Maintain good ventilation throughout your home, use an air purifier, and change your heating and cooling system’s air filter regularly.
General Heating & Air Conditioning is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer serving Monrovia and surrounding areas. We offer AC and heating repair, maintenance, and installation services as well as help with indoor air quality. We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have won the Carrier President’s Award. Contact us for an assessment of your home’s indoor air quality to protect your health.