Most of us live our lives inside. In fact, we devote 90% of our day indoors. This makes indoor Breathable air a top priority for health. Sadly, indoor spaces trap pollutants. The levels of bad air inside are often much higher than they are outside. We breathe in invisible gas and dust all day long. This affects our health in many ways.
People most affected, like children and the old members, are at the highest risk. People who already have Breathing disorder suffer the most. Bad air can cause immediate issues like allergic reaction, bronchitis, and painful breathing. The long-term impacts are even less healthy. Years of Pulmonary function dirty air can trigger asthma or emphysema. It can damage your heart and blood. It can even impact your reproductive system. We have to take indoor air seriously to stay safe.
Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
You need to Realize what makes indoor air bad. There are several reasons, and some might be in your home right now. Here is a look at the top Contaminants and how they affect your health.
First, let’s talk about Radon.
This is a radioactive gas that comes naturally from the surface. The Terrible aspect is that it does not have any smell, taste, or color. You won’t know it is there without a test. It creeps into buildings by cracking the walls, basement floors and foundations of buildings. Radon is actually the second most contributing cause of lung cancer in the United States through disclosure.
Next up is Particulate Matter, or PM.
These are tiny particles floating in the air. This involves dust, tobacco smoke, diesel and pollen. Mold spores and pet dander count, too. These particles are so small they go deep into your lungs. They reach the alveoli and can even enter your bloodstream. This damages the lungs and causes disease. Stroke and heart attacks are associated with high levels.
Then we have VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
These are the gases that are Freed by products such as paint, glue, and carpet. Such a process is called “off-gassing.” You can find VOCs indoors and outdoors. The usual stuff you see is benzene and formaldehyde. Breathing them in can irritate your eyes and throat. It can make you feel sick or dizzy. In the long run, VOCs may harm your central nervous system, organs. They can even cause cancer.
Residential Combustion is a fancy way of saying “burning fuel.”
About two-thirds of U.S. homes burn gas, wood, or oil. We use this to warm houses, moisture-free apparel, and prepare meals. This creates emissions like carbon monoxide. If your Burner or water heater isn’t vented right, you breathe that in. It is harmful to your health and the environment.
Finally, look out for Allergens. These are pet dander, mould and dust. Air is also influenced by even the droppings of mice and cockroaches. All these render the air heavy and difficult to breathe.
Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality
You can fix your indoor air quality right now. It mostly comes down to personal protection. You need to stop pollution at the source and improve how you clean. Here are ten smart moves to protect your family.
Check Your Detectors:
Start with safety. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide Sensors. Don’t just setup them and forget them. Test the Sensors and swap out the batteries once a year to stay safe.
Open Up the Windows:
You need Pure air. Open your doors or windows for at least 10 minutes Regularly. Do this in middle of winter. The indoor air is normally more polluted compared to the outdoor air. Fresh air dilutes the bad stuff and makes your home healthier to breathe.
Use Air Cleaners Wisely:
Sometimes opening a window is a bad idea. If you live near a busy freeway or a factory, keep them shut. The same goes for days with wildfire smoke. Instead, buy a portable HEPA air cleaner. It traps dust and chemicals as well as particulate matter. in case you want to counter odors, purchase one with a charcoal filter.
Test for Radon:
Radon is invisible and odorless, however, it is harmful. You must be aware whether it is at home. Purchase a cheap radon detector test kit at the American Lung Association.
Go Smoke-Free:
This is a strict rule. Never allow smoking inside your house or your car. It ruins the air instantly.
Upgrade Filters:
Check your furnace filter often. Make sure you use one with a MERV-13 rating. These filters catch smaller particles. Change them regularly to keep the system working right.
Stop Burning:
Attempt to stop burning things on the inside. This implies the absence of wood stoves, gas stoves or fireplaces. The candles are also to be omitted. Burning is a smoke and fumes you do not care to inhale.
Skip the Chemicals:
Don’t use heavy air fresheners or sprays. They add VOCs to the air. Pick healthier, greener cleaning products instead.
Vacuum Often:
Rugs act like a sponge for dirt. Vacuum your carpets regularly to remove the trapped dust.
Dust the Right Way: Don’t just push dust around. Use a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth. Dust is actually made of dead skin cells and dust mite droppings. Since we spend so much time indoors, this builds up fast.
How can i improve indoor air quality in my home?
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to fix your air. These are some of the low cost or free steps that you can take now. Three main strategies are the best to enhance indoor air quality. The first is to manage the causes of pollution. Second, be sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Third, apply supplemental air purification and filtration.
You also have to watch out for water. The control of moisture levels functions as the main method to prevent mold growth. The ideal home humidity level should remain below 60 %. The ideal humidity level for indoor spaces should maintain between 30 % and 50 %. Check out the Improving Indoor Air Quality page for more details and helpful tips.
Are you looking to buy a new home? Keep an eye out for the Indoor airPLUS label. Builders design these homes specifically for better air quality. They are built to a higher standard than homes that just meet the minimum code. To learn why this matters, check out About Indoor airPLUS.
Related Questions
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