9 Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
February 05, 2021
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that poor indoor air could be about two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. Hence, if you live in a house with poor air quality, you can risk the health of your loved ones. This is especially dangerous for children, elders, and people who suffer from respiratory and heart complications.
Poor indoor air quality typically results in dryness that could lead to various health complications, such as irritation, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also result in severe effects like heart and respiratory diseases and lung cancer. Therefore, you need to keep your indoor air clean.
But what causes poor indoor air quality? The following are nine causes of poor indoor air quality.
1. Cleaning Supplies
Always research the ingredients in the cleaning supplies you use. Some strong chemicals can react with ozone from indoor or outdoor sources, forming dangerous particles that affect your indoor air quality. If you inhale these particles over time, you might develop health problems.
2. Pesticides
When you use pesticides and insecticides in your house, some leave harmful residue in the air, which is hazardous when inhaled. This is why you should always let professionals spray such chemicals while you spend time somewhere else until the active ingredient wears off from your air.
If you only want to kill a few pests that don't need specialist help, use protective gear and spray in the morning when you want to leave.
3. Fuel-Burning Combustion Devices
Gas-powered appliances, such as stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, and furnaces, can also lower indoor air quality. Burning gas leads to carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Burning wood in fireplaces can also emit potentially dangerous chemicals.
4. Building Materials
Building materials like paint, new flooring or carpet, deteriorating asbestos from insulation, glues, and construction solvents can release formaldehyde and other VOCs into your home's air. Hence, identify potentially dangerous chemicals and use or store them based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
5. Wood Furniture
New furniture and cabinetry may contain polyurethane, sprayed on wood to protect it from water damage. When this chemical gets into the air, it can result in health complications.
6. Smoking
Tobacco smoking can also cause poor indoor air quality. The smoke from a cigarette contains numerous toxic substances that are harmful when inhaled, particularly by kids, the elderly, or people with respiratory problems. Therefore, you should avoid smoking indoors.
7. Poor Ventilation
Your home's ventilation is vital as it eliminates contaminated indoor air and introduces fresh air, reducing air pollutants in the house. With poor ventilation, quality outdoor air will not get into your house.
You should ensure the vents in all rooms don’t have dust and debris so as to allow fresh air into your home. You might also need to invest in a humidifier and an air cleaner to improve the air quality.
8. Radon
Homeowners might have to deal with the radon problem at some point. This carcinogenic chemical can find its way into your indoor air when radon gas infiltrates from the soil into your basement and then transfers to other rooms. The chemical can also come from water, a natural gas supply, and some building materials.
Inhaling radon could lead to persistent coughs, coughing blood, chest pain, and respiratory issues. Therefore, hire a professional to check the radon level in your home and provide solutions to prevent indoor air pollution.
9. Mold Growth
Mold spores in the air pose a risk to your health. They can cause irritation, wheezing, nasal stuffiness, and respiratory infections like asthma. Therefore, take measures to prevent mold growth.
Many things could affect your indoor air quality and pose a health risk to your loved ones. Fortunately, our company provides air cleaners, humidifiers, ventilators, carbon monoxide detectors, and UV lights to keep your indoor air safe. Contact us today for more information.