Because you most likely spend more than 60% of your time inside your home, the quality of the indoor air in your house matters. As homes have become more tightly sealed in order to conserve air conditioning and heating and lower monthly utility costs, airborne pollutants may accumulate to levels that can trigger physical symptoms or even chronic illness in some individuals.
The source of contaminants in indoor air can range from the common to the unexpected. However, certain “usual suspects” can be readily identified and usually controlled with filtration, ventilation, and other strategies. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified these common reasons for poor indoor air quality.
- Mold growth. Fungal contamination inside a house often morphs into an issue of toxic air too. Mold growth, usually spawned by excess indoor humidity, releases millions of airborne spores. These may trigger allergic symptoms in susceptible individuals. Professional service is typically required to locate and remediate mold growth. Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% is key to suppressing future contamination.
- VOCs. Short for volatile organic compounds, these are vapors that may be released by a variety of household substances, including cleaning solutions, paints, sealants, glues, and other products. In addition to avoiding use of products formulated with these chemicals, ensuring adequate fresh-air circulation inside the house helps dilute VOCs to levels that do not cause physical symptoms.
- Combustion pollutants. Appliances or heating components that burn natural gas can emit toxic carbon monoxide if these units are not properly vented and inspected by a professional annually. Because carbon monoxide gas is invisible and odorless, homes should have carbon monoxide detectors on all floors and in the basement.
- Airborne particulates. Any number of tiny particles may inhabit the air in your indoor environment. These include pet dander, dust mites, fibers from carpets, and even simple dust and dirt. These particles may be a simple housekeeping issue, or they may cause physical reactions when inhaled.
For proven techniques to keep your indoor air quality both healthy and comfortable, talk to the experts at Jackson & Sons.
