Guide To Clean The Air In Your Home
Not many people consider air quality when thinking about their home environment. There are potential sources of air pollution in almost every room in your home. It is a critical aspect and a high contributing factor to our health. Indoor air quality can be five times more polluted than the outdoors. Many of us suffer from asthma and allergies, which could be caused by the air we breathe. Poor air quality is a “hidden” concern we should be aware of.
There are so many factors that decrease air quality that you do not realize, from dust, dust mites, pet hair, pet dander, pollen and cigarette smoke. These things should be of concern, especially during the winter when windows are closed and the air is not flowing freely.
Below is a list of things you may not be aware of that can pollute your air.
Cigarette Smoke
Amongst the most deadly is cigarette smoke, first-hand and second-hand. It is a known fact that cigarette smoke puts all people at a higher risk of health problems.
Air Conditioner Units
Cleaning regularly is vital to reduce dust mites, mold and mildew. Dirty air conditioner units is the most common form of poor air quality in homes. It is important to ventilate and use de-humidifiers.
Car Idling In The Garage
Sound Silly? Absolutely Not! This remits hazardous levels of pollution directly into your home. Stop Idling Your Car In The Garage!
Carbon Monoxide
This is an odorless gas that claims over 400 lives per year and sickens thousands. It is essential to install a carbon monoxide detector, which can be purchased for around $30. It is simple and easy to install. Check the readings. Contact your utility company immediately if they are above 10 parts per million. Your gas stove or furnace may not be working correctly.
Radon Gas
Known as the silent killer. It is odorless and invisible and can be found in many homes. It is crucial to get your home checked for this lethal silent killer. It is found in soil and rock and can only be found by testing. These testing kits can be purchased for around $35 and will let you know if gas is present. If found, you may have to seal up cracks in your foundation.
Paint
Have you recently painted the rooms in your home? Beware! Even though the walls are thoroughly dried, gases can be omitted for months after. These gases are highly toxic. Try to open your windows as much as possible for months later. Also, before 1978, homes were painted with lead paint. Those living in older homes should beware of paint chipping or chalking.
Pets
We all love our adorable pets, but do you realize their saliva, urine, and feces brought in daily from the outdoors can cause many pet allergies? The pollutants lurking outside can easily be transported in from our loved pets.
Mold
Rain and humidity bring about mold. Cracks and leaks can help to aggravate the problem. Mold problems can cause coughing, wheezing, and asthma.
Asbestos
Do you live in an older home? It may be time to get your home checked for asbestos. These tiny fibers inhaled are known to cause lung cancer.
Toxic Products
Home cleaning, personal hygiene, outdoor yard pesticides, and other factors contribute to poor indoor air quality. Shoes and pets can bring in outdoor particles in addition to our cleaning and personal products. Just open the windows when necessary and keep the room well-ventilated.
Wood Stoves
For those who keep warm and want to save money using wood stoves to heat their homes, the smoke causes fine particle pollution. It is vital to keep the house extremely well-ventilated.
Carpeting vs. Tile or Wood Flooring
Believe it or not, carpeting can harbor many pollutants, such as pet dander, dust mites, fungi, etc. Vacuuming is not always the end-all because vacuuming can stir up pollutants and make them airborne. A vacuum with a HEPA filter traps smaller particles that other vacuums send back into the air. Tile or wood flooring would be the preferred choice to lessen air pollution.
Vent Fans
Ensure your kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room vent fans work correctly. Proper ventilation can help to eliminate some airborne contaminants.
We hope you have gained valuable knowledge by reading our article “13 Ways To Clean The Air In Your Home.” Breathing fresh air is a start to being healthier in the long run.
All American Environmental will gladly assist you with any questions or concerns regarding the following services.
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