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3 Common Indoor Air Pollutants

3 Common Indoor Air Pollutants

We all know that air pollution is not only bad for the planet, but bad for our health as well. In fact,  air pollution is associated with a variety of harmful respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart attacks.

While this is certainly bad news, it is compounded by the fact that indoor air is often five times more polluted than outdoor air. To make matters worse, most of us spend almost 90% of our time indoors.

Common indoor air pollutants include tobacco smoke, gases released from fireplaces and stoves, mold caused by dust and excess moisture, radon, and chemicals used in building materials and household products.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

1. Particulates

Particulates, such as dust, dirt, and soot come from things that burn, like candles, stoves, furnaces, hot water heaters, tobacco products, incense, fires and/or wood smoke. While we need many of these things in our homes, they can all contribute to indoor air pollution by emitting nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants.

Take the following steps to reduce the number of particulates in your indoor air:

1.      Don’t smoke indoors.

2.      Make sure appliances are properly installed and vented.

3.      Avoid air fresheners and paraffin candles. Choose soy or beeswax candles instead.

4.      Never operate a portable generator, kerosene lamp, or grill indoors.

5.      Install “sealed combustion” appliances. This ensures that fresh air is brought in and gases are released through sealed pipes.

6.      Whenever possible, choose appliances with electronic ignitions instead of pilot lights.

2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) come from scented products like candles, paint, varnishes, air fresheners, thinners, and cleaning products. They can also come from underground vapor. When chemicals are spilled or dumped on the ground, they will eventually evaporate, creating chemical vapors underground. These vapors may then enter your home through cracks in the foundation, around pipes, or through a drain system.

Take the following steps to reduce the number of VOCs in your indoor air:

1.      Use low or no-VOC paints, strippers, thinners, varnishes, and finishes.

2.      Use cleaners that are water-based or low in VOCs and do not contain hazardous chemicals. Buy and store only what you need, and use the proper amount of product when cleaning.

3.      When possible, avoid cabinets, doors, wall paneling, furniture, and other interior items made from conventional engineered wood products. Such products can emit unhealthy pollutants such as formaldehyde. Choose solid wood or engineered wood products that contain few or no toxic chemicals.

4.      Ensure that your foundation is free of cracks and your pipes are well-sealed and insulated.

3. Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in many textures and colors. It grows on interior building surfaces if there is too much moisture. Eventually, the mold will damage the materials it is growing on and may cause health problems for occupants, such as coughing, runny nose, wheezing, and sore throat.

Take the following steps to reduce the presence of mold in your indoor air:

1.      Control moisture by repairing leaks quickly.

2.      Periodically check plumbing, roofing, foundations, gutters, attics, crawl spaces, and sump pumps.

3.      Insulate and seal air leaks between attic and house to prevent ice dams.

4.      Divert water away from the house by keeping gutters clean, installing downspouts, and grading. 

5.      Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

6.      Vent appliances (water heaters, gas fireplaces, furnaces, clothes dryers) outside.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

While indoor air quality is certainly a concern, the good news is that there are many steps we can take to improve the air that we spend most of our time breathing.

Air purifiers can reduce the chemical, dust, and particulate load in your air, and often improve allergy symptoms. Air purifiers work by distributing clean, filtered air throughout your home every time your heating or cooling system runs. Installing UV lights on your air conditioner is another way to reduce mold, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles that may be entering your indoor air.

If you would like to discuss improvements to your indoor air quality, and are located in the Twin Cities Metro Area, we here at Quality Systems Heating & Cooling would love to talk you through your options, so you can start breathing easier today! 

Contact us today for a free quote. We bring three generations of experience to our HVAC business and are leaders in the installation of air purifiers, UV lights, and other air quality technologies.

Financing options are available, and we guarantee kind and responsive customer service and expert workmanship!

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