Indoor Air Quality
A lot of people are curious about whether the air they breathe at the homes and workplaces they live inside is appropriate and safe. Many suffer from respiratory issues or problems with an unpleasant odor. It is normal for the issue to be due to or caused by mold-related issues. Whatever the reason for the air quality issue, it will be able to be solved after the root has been identified.
Furthermore, most of us have to spend most of our time working, at the office or having breaks. The problem is that indoor air is dirtier and more polluted compared to the outside air. The indoor air is polluted by at least five times the amount and, in some instances as much as 100 times the amount of pollutants than outside air, according to the EPA.
The air that we breathe in our workplaces and homes can be contaminated due to contaminants that are present in the air that we breathe (such as chemicals, gas, and living organisms like bacteria, mold, and insects) which could lead to health issues.
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Common Domestic or Home Pollutants
- Radon is the name for the radioactive gas that is produced in the soil. Radon could be introduced into buildings through cracks or holes in floors and walls that are in contact with the soil. Radon is the leading or most often cited reason for lung cancer among non-smokers. This is the second most significant cause of cancers of the lung in general.
- Secondhand smoke is the result of tobacco products being burnt. Secondhand smoke can lead to lung cancer, as well as other serious respiratory diseases. Children are the most vulnerable in the presence of second-hand smoke. It can cause or worsen asthma-related symptoms. It’s associated with an increased risk to develop an ear infection, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Combustion pollutants are gases or particles that are produced by burning fuels. The primary reason for pollutants in homes is because they are inadequately vented or poorly for appliances that burn fuel (such as stoves, water heaters, space heaters, dryers, fireplaces, wood stoves, etc.). The quantity and kind of pollutants produced depend on the type of appliance and its condition, how it’s maintained as well as installed and vented, and the type of fuel it uses.
Common combustion pollutants comprise:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is colorless and odorless, can affect the circulation as well as distribution of oxygen throughout our bodies. Carbon monoxide is a cause of nausea, headaches, or even death.
- It is a gas called Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) It is is odorless and colorless gas that can cause eyes, nose, and throat irritations, breathing difficulties, as well as an increased risk of respiratory illnesses.
- Vocal organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical compounds that are present in paints, polishes, and strippers for cleaning supplies, such as waxes and varnishes, insecticides and pesticides, furniture, construction furnishings, and air fresheners for insect repellents and dry-cleaned clothing. VOCs are released into the air following the time the products have been used and occasionally after storage. VOCs can cause irritation to the nose and throats, eyes and cause headaches, nausea, and cause harm to the liver, kidneys, and Central Nervous System. Certain of them could cause cancer.
- Living organisms such as molds produce microorganisms, spores, or microorganisms. The spores released by molds are scattered throughout the air as they fall onto surfaces that are moist and grow. Inhalation of molds can result in sneezing, runny nose, irritations of the skin, and red eyes. The presence of molds could trigger asthma attacks.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
How can you purify the air in your home, office, or another indoor space?
The most effective method of cleaning the air in your home is to get rid of the reason for poor air quality in your home. We’ve found that the most significant reason for the poor quality of the air inside Plano, TX is mold. You can run the test for mold and give the most effective remedy, which is blocking the infiltration of moisture into the home.
If you are unable to stop water’s entry access into your home or into your home, you may require the recourse to a dehumidifier to take care of and dry out the damp items. Also, you might have to install a Hepa air purifier to keep mold spores from spreading that could be present in your home.
Other steps you can make to enhance the quality of the indoor air are as follows:
- Improve air circulation by opening a few windows every during the day for 5 to 10 minutes and placing the windows on both sides of the home.
- Get house plants! NASA has discovered that house plants can drastically improve the air quality in your home.
- Take off your shoes and place them on the doors each time you come into your house to avoid spreading dangerous particles to the room.
- Don’t smoke tobacco inside or around your house.
- Use safe cleaning solutions such as hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, and vinegar.
- Don’t immediately dry clean clothes in your closet. It is better to hang them for a couple of days. If you’re certain, inquire about an environmentally friendly dry-cleaner in your area that uses the most sophisticated dry-cleaning techniques such as CO2 in liquid form.
- Utilize products for personal use that are safe. Avoid aerosols, and look for cleaning products with no VOCs.
- Beware of air fresheners that are sold in the commercial market in addition to scent-laden candles that allow thousands of substances to enter your living space.
- Clean as well as vacuum the floor sweep flooring and rugs often. When a person walks on the floor, the irritations of the carpet will be visible and being agitated.
- Enhance your furnace or heating filter. Modern filters are made to effectively capture particles. In addition, ensure that your furnace or air conditioning ductwork and chimney are regularly cleaned.
- Avoid storing solvents paints, adhesives, or other chemicals that are harsh inside your home, or in the garage that is attached.
- Use cooking tools that are non-stick. For a better alternative you could use cookware made from ceramic.
- Check your appliances are vented properly.
- Select greener and safer products like paints that are free of VOCs when you build or renovate.
- Choose hardwood flooring that’s more sustainable than carpet. Carpet is a magnet for dust particles, including pet fur as well as heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and all types of allergens. If you choose to install carpet, you should look for one that’s labeled “VOC-free” so that you can be sure you don’t suffer from the emission of harmful gasses.
- Verify that your house has enough drainage and an un-sealed foundation.
- Remove insects through sealing cracks, gaps, and leaks. Be sure that food items are correctly stored and never expose them for any length of time.
When to Contact Plano's Best AC & Heating Repair LLC?
If you’ve encountered any of these issues, contact Plano’s Best AC & Heating Repair by Abundant Air LLC to arrange a review of your home’s indoor air quality now:
- Asthma, allergies, or any other respiratory condition
- Sore throats, colds, or the flu
- Memory loss, dizziness, fatigue, or depression