How Can I Prevent Indoor Air Pollution?

Many people have pondered this issue for themselves. In my house or place of business, can I prevent indoor air pollution? If so, how? Fortunately, there are things you can do to make sure your environment has the highest air quality possible.

Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?

Although it can be simple to ignore, having high indoor air quality can drastically improve our quality of life. We spend a large portion of our waking hours inside of buildings like our homes, workplaces, restaurants, gyms, and others. With that in mind, it is crucial that we strive to create environments with the least amount of pollution possible. This will ensure the health of us, our families, and others. Poor air quality can lead to a whole host of health risks such as irritation to the sinuses eyes and throat, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and much more. It can also exacerbate existing conditions. There can also be long-lasting effects, especially if the pollution is caused by harmful chemicals.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air pollution has many different root causes, some of which can be more subtle than others. The following is a list of indicators to look out for while assessing the quality of your air.

Lack Of Cleaning, Or Cleaning With The Wrong Tools

There are many different causes of air pollutants and odors in the home. Many areas of your home can harbor mildew, mold, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and dirt in general. Some can simply be a nuisance, while others are downright harmful. Even if you consider yourself a very tidy person, you may be overlooking a few contributors. Some things to consider include:

• Smelly pets
• Dirty furniture
• Not using exhaust fans
• Dirty air filters
• Feather dusters
• Carpets

Chemicals

In addition to being unpleasant, improperly stored chemicals have the potential to be fatal if used in sufficient quantities or if they are allowed to mix. Even on their own, these can emit fumes that can be unpleasant or even deadly if too much is inhaled. Pay special attention to how they are stored and keep an eye out for some of the following:

• Asbestos
• Varnishes
• Paints
• Household cleaning products
• Lacquer
• Glue 
• Pesticides we use in and around the home 

Smoke

Smoke comes in many different forms, all of which can seriously affect your indoor air quality. Not having proper ventilation can have serious negative effects on your health as well as your family’s health. Recreational smoking has been outlawed for many years due to its inherent health risks, and many homes have moved away from smoke-producing forms of heat. The main contributors to these are:

• Cigarette smoke
• Wood stoves 
• Fireplaces
• Fuel-burning combustion appliances

Overuse Of “Air Fresheners”

While many of these products will claim to be able to eliminate odors in your home entirely, they are all only tools to mask any unpleasant odors that may be caused by true pollutants. They can be nice to use from time to time. However, they too can be a source of poor air quality when used too often instead of addressing the true source of the problem.

• Synthetic fragrances
• Perfumes
• Air fresheners
• Deodorizers
• Fumes from paraffin wax candles

Have Questions? Stack Has The Answers!

Stack is available to assist you, whether you need help identifying the cause of indoor air pollution in your home or simply have questions. Our professionals are skilled at locating the issue and fixing it. Knowing that the issue is being handled securely and appropriately will help you breathe easier. Improve the indoor air quality inside your home by getting in touch with Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric right away.