Think you're breathing easy? The article below will provide you with a few indoor air quality facts that'll have you thinking twice.
When most people think of air pollution,
they imagine huge industrial smokestacks bellowing smoke into the horizon of some distant metropolis. In reality, the issue is far closer to home. It’s easy to forget that the air inside our offices and homes is just as susceptible to pollution as the air outside our windows. People send so much of their time inside that they often overlook the fact that we surround ourselves with harmful products and chemicals on a daily basis. Though the issue often goes unnoticed, the air quality indoors is just as important as the air outside. In this article, we will offer up a few indoor air quality facts.
Consequences
If untreated, poor indoor air quality can result in a wide array of issues, including dry eyes, headaches, asthma, fatigue, respiratory diseases and nausea. If you happen to notice a combination of these issues, you may choose to consider having your air quality evaluated by a licensed professional. A doctor’s visit may also be in order.
Radon
Recent studies suggest that an average of 1 in 15 homes in the US contain radon levels in excess of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended level of action.
Common Causes
In order to avoid poor indoor air quality, it’s vital to read the labels to common household products, including pesticides, solvents, glues, paint, health care products, cleaning supplies and even air fresheners. By choosing to purchase products that cater towards clean indoor air quality, residents can easily turn their environments from hazardous to pristine. A quick Google search should suffice in providing you with a list of safe products for use in your home or office.
Biological Pollutants
Man-made products are not the sole cause of the issue at hand. In fact, there are a variety of biological hazards, including mold, viruses, dust mites, bacteria and pet dander than can contribute to the overall health of individuals living or working within a confined space. Making a point to clean your home or office area regularly is key to avoiding air quality health issues. If you have pets, make sure to bath them at least once every couple weeks… or more if they tend to shed excessively.
Smoking
We all know that smoking is bad for you. With that said, secondhand tobacco smoke is perhaps the common and obvious form of indoor air pollution. Studies have found over 4,000 known chemicals in tobacco smoke, 200 are known poisons, 43 have been known to cause cancer. If you’re a smoker but have chosen not to quit, consider moving the ashtray outside and breathing a little fresh air along with your smoke.
If you are interested in evaluating your current air quality, there are a variety of services available to help you do so. These professionals will be able to inspect your air conditioning system and provide you with a tips and solutions to help you get the most out of each and every breath.
