Causes of Indoor Air Pollution and Improving Air Quality
Air pollution doesn’t only exist outdoors, it can also exist inside your home. Did you know that the air inside of your home could be “dirtier” than the air outside, causing indoor air pollution?
There are many daily activities that you may be doing that are affecting the air quality inside your home. Lately, more people have been spending more time indoors, and you could be unknowingly polluting your own air.
So, what causes poor indoor air quality? Keep reading to find out what could be the cause of poor air quality in your home and how you can gradually work on reducing pollutants.
1. Household Cleaning Chemicals and Paints
Ingredients like chlorine and volatile organic compounds found in household cleaners and paints can cause indoor air pollution. Inhaling these harsh chemicals can also lead to headaches and respiratory problems over time if you’re using them on a regular basis.
Solution
Make the switch to cleaners that contain natural ingredients and paints that don’t contain volatile organic compounds. You can simply mix your own ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and naturally scented oil for an all-purpose household cleaner.
2. Spraying Deodorizers, Perfumes, and Body Sprays
We all like to smell good every once in a while, as well as give our homes a nice, fragrant scent. However, did you know that your fragrances and deodorizers can be traced back to indoor air pollution? Chemicals in these sprays are synthetic and can be toxic, and if inhaled, they can lead to issues like an allergic reaction.
Solution
Instead, try using naturally scented body oils and body butter. Or, for your home try opening a window to let in fresh air. If you feel as though you need fragrances for your home and body, you can try to reduce how often you use them.
3. Asbestos
One of the most common causes of indoor air pollution is asbestos. Asbestos can be found in materials used to build your home like your ceiling and floor tiles. Most new building materials and other things like paints don’t contain asbestos, but if your home is a little older, you may be exposed to asbestos.
Solution
If you believe you may have asbestos in your home, you should call a professional to remove it for you.
4. Smoke and Appliances In Your Home
As everyone knows, tobacco smoke causes poor air quality, whether you’re inside or outside. But, did you know that smoke from cooking, your fireplace, a kerosene stove, or a wood stove also causes air pollution? All of these things are sources of combustion that cause carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that lowers the quality of the air you’re breathing.
Solution
To reduce indoor air pollution caused by smoke, you can change the air filters for your air conditioner regularly. Filters can trap some air pollutants that float throughout your home. You can also install a carbon monoxide monitoring system that can alert you when levels are too high.
5. Fumes from Candles
Burning candles can also cause indoor air pollution. Fumes from paraffin wax candles can release toxic chemicals like benzene that can build up to unhealthy levels inside your home.
Solution
Instead of burning candles that have harmful ingredients, try burning candles with natural ingredients and wooden wicks.
6. Dust, Pollen, and Pet Dander
Dust and pollen are particulates that cause respiratory allergies. Pet dander like dried skin cells and hair from your pet can also cause respiratory issues and trigger allergies, especially in children.
Solution
Vacuuming, changing the filters to your air conditioner, and dusting frequently can reduce the number of pollutants in your air. You can also try using our HEPA filters to help filter out the particles that aren’t picked up when you dust or vacuum.
7. Contact a Professional
Our team at Magic Valley Restoration & Construction can provide you with resources to ensure your home has cleaner air. Remove mold and mildew with your choice of HEPA filters, UV lights, ozone treatments, or other alternatives provided by our company. Call us today at (208) 215-7607 to schedule your AC maintenance and repair.