Indoor air quality is essential to your family’s comfort and health. By understanding common contaminants and what causes them, you can take steps to improve your home’s air quality. In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common indoor air pollutants, giving you a deeper understanding of where they come from, what issues they can lead to, and ways to combat them for healthier air at home.
What Are Indoor Air Pollutants?
Indoor air pollutants are tiny particles in your home’s indoor air that can harm your health or reduce comfort. Being exposed to certain pollutants can cause or worsen respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, and other health problems, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting conditions.
Identifying and managing the following pollutants is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Dust and Dust Mites
Dust forms from dead skin cells, pollen, dirt, and other tiny particles, and dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in dust and feed on particles such as dead skin cells. Dust accumulates throughout homes easily from people, pets, and more during everyday activities, and dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are types of fungi that grow in damp, humid environments, with mildew being mostly surface-level and mold often seeping deeper into materials. These substances thrive in areas with excessive moisture, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces. If unaddressed, mold and mildew can lead to health hazards, including respiratory issues, sinus congestion, worsening asthma symptoms, skin irritation, coughing, and more.
Pet Dander
Cats, dogs, and other furry animals shed small flakes of skin, known as pet dander, which can worsen allergies and asthma symptoms. Regularly bathing and grooming your pets, vacuuming, washing bedding, and performing other maintenance tasks are essential for combating the effects of pet dander.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are harmful gases released from paints, cleaning supplies, adhesives, and household products. They can also be released during activities such as cooking and smoking. VOCs can cause respiratory symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and can even lead to long-term issues with your liver, kidneys, or nervous system. Aim for using low-VOC or VOC-free products, and always use harsh products in a well-ventilated area.
Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke is loaded with harmful contaminants, including carcinogens like formaldehyde and arsenic. These chemicals can also lead to respiratory infections, heart disease, and more. Even if no one in your home currently smokes, you can still be affected by third-hand smoke embedded in porous surfaces from past residents.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by burning fuel in appliances, including gas stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, and vehicles. It’s extremely dangerous and can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion; high exposure can even be fatal. CO detectors are required for detection and should be placed around your home and tested frequently.
Pollen
Pollen comes from flowers, trees, and grass, and can trigger itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and more. To prevent it from entering your home, keep windows and doors closed, vacuum regularly, and use HEPA filters in your HVAC system.
Radon
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s also the second-leading cause of lung cancer. The only ways to detect radon are to use a radon test kit or hire a trained professional.
Ways To Reduce Indoor Pollutants
- Install a whole-home dehumidifier
- Change HVAC filters every 1-3 months
- Install a whole-home air purifier
- Use low-VOC household products
- Improve ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans
Why Choose Us?
Since 1973, Blue Frost Heating & Cooling has been a leading provider of HVAC work in West Chicago. Our family-owned and -operated company offers 24/7 emergency services, free estimates, and exceptional customer care.
Your Comfort and Safety Are Our Business. Schedule services with our team today!
