Causes Of Indoor Air Pollution
We immediately envision a thick, brown haze obscuring cityscapes when we think of air pollution. Did you know poor indoor air quality is just as dangerous to our health as outdoor pollutants, if not more so? COVID-19 has made it increasingly common for Americans to work and attend school from the comfort of their own homes, and the importance of clean indoor air cannot be overstated. Read on to learn about the health benefits of fresh, clean indoor air and how to keep your loved ones safe and healthy and some of the common causes of indoor air pollution!
What Does It Mean to Have Good Indoor Air Quality?
As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is the state of the air inside and around a building or structure, particularly as it pertains to the health and well-being of its occupants. Asthma, eye irritation, fatigue, and even cancer can all be side effects of harmful gases, chemicals, and other pollutants in the home’s air exchange system. Most people are unaware of the dangers of indoor air pollution.
Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor pollution that releases gases or particles is the primary cause of poor indoor air quality. As a result, pollutant levels can rise due to a lack of fresh air intake or the expulsion of polluted air from home. High temperatures and humidity can exacerbate poor indoor air quality during the warmer months.
Additionally, there are several other sources of pollution:
Poorly maintained heating and air conditioning systems
High moisture levels
Equipment that utilizes Radon
Tobacco-related items
Other degraded building materials, including asbestos-containing insulation
A variety of products and materials for household and personal use
Hair or dander from a pet
Dirt or dust
A single source’s relative contribution to indoor pollution varies according to the amount of pollution it produces and the severity of its effects on human health. In some cases, such as household cleaners or building materials like asbestos, these substances may be released on a regular basis, making them more hazardous to your health over time.
Protecting Your House Against Pollution
Eliminating tobacco use and reducing the amount of cleaning and personal care products you use indoors are two simple things you can do right away to help reduce harmful contaminants in your home. Keeping your home free of allergens and other contaminants is also possible by investing in a high-quality furnace filter. Another way to enhance the quality of the air you breathe at home is to have your HVAC system serviced every year. A professional HVAC technician can conduct a thorough inspection of the HVAC system in your home to determine if it is functioning correctly and if dangerous gases like radon are present.
Contact Us Today!
We understand how important it is that your home is comfortable and efficient. Call us today at Coastal Climate Experts at (321) 797-0422 to find out how we can work with you to maintain your HVAC system and ask about the rest of our HVAC services.
