The indoor air quality, or IAQ, of your home can have a dramatic effect on your family’s health. These effects can occur immediately, as in the case of carbon monoxide and allergens, but they can also occur years later. For this reason, even if there are no symptoms you should evaluate your IAQ regularly. Improving your air quality can include measures like regularly changing your furnace filters, using the range hood while cooking, and using a dehumidifier when needed. Depending on the sources of contaminants and pollution, you may also need to implement other measures.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous gas that is produced when fuels, such as wood, natural gas, and propane, are not burned completely. This can happen even with new, environmentally friendly stoves and heaters, but is more common with older or efficient ones. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can be similar to the flu or other illnesses, which means it often goes untreated, especially in mild cases.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, every home should have functioning carbon monoxide alarms located correctly. Kitchen stove hoods that vent outside can also be a big factor in reducing the risk. Having a safety inspection on gas furnace heat exchangers and flue pipes annually can help reduce the chance of CO poisoning.
Chemicals
Chemical pollution can come from cleaners and other household products as well as improperly or properly used solvents, paint, and glue. Chemicals should always be used with care and ventilation is important. If you are using any strong cleaners or solvents, carefully read the instructions. Some items should only be used outdoors or with proper ventilation, and in some cases, users and anyone else in the area should be wearing respirators to protect their breathing.
Pet Dandar and Dust
Pet dander and dust can cause problems in homes without good air cleaning systems, such as high efficiency particulate air filters in the HVAC system. In these homes, or homes that aren’t frequently cleaned, pet dander can build up in the carpet and hang out in the air you breath. For people with allergies or asthma, this can be especially concerning but it can be irritating to anyone.
Dust and Particles
Dust and other particles can have a negative effect on indoor air quality IAQ. The particles can come from a variety of sources, including pets, humans, the natural wear and tear of the house itself, and outside of the house. Central air systems can help with these contaminates, as can regular vacuuming and cleaning. If there is a big problem with dust in your house, you may need to look for the source of the problem, such as a bad vacuum filter, improperly sealed windows or doors letting in dust from outside, or a wood stove that doesn’t vent properly.
Mold
Mold can be an especially dangerous source of indoor contaminants. Some molds are toxic but they are all potentially irritating to the respiratory system. They are also a sign of water intrusion or other damage to your home, or high humidity. Humidity can be controlled through central air conditioning and dehumidifiers, as well as home improvement if needed, while water intrusion will require repair to walls or pipes and remediation to remove and replace damaged drywall, wood, and carpet.
VOC
VOC stands for volatile organic compound. These are chemicals that come from products such as plastics, paint, carpet, flooring, wood finishes, and other manufactured materials. The gases leaching into the air from the products can be a main source of air contaminants. VOCs are especially high in new homes or homes that have recently been renovated or have new flooring or paint. It can help to let new and renovated homes have an off-gassing period before moving in.
Tobacco Smoke
Contaminates from tobacco smoke include carbon dioxide and more than 4000 other toxic particles. Tobacco smoke is especially harmful indoors, and it lingers far beyond the area the smoking happened in. the particles from smoke travel throughout the whole house. And don’t think that once the odor is gone, the area is clean. 85% of tobacco smoke particles are odorless and they can linger for hours. The best way to keep the air in your home clear of tobacco smoke pollution is to never smoke inside the home. Smoking near an open door or window is not sufficient to keep the contaminants outside.
Outdoor Pollution
Outdoor pollution can sometimes venture inside the home. This is obviously a problem in areas with heavy traffic and smog outside, such as near factories or in cities with a lot of vehicle traffic. But it can also be a problem during large wildfires, even distant ones, or during very dry windy weather when dust fills the air. The best way to fix this problem is by sealing the house better, such as by installing efficient windows and doors. This is not always possible so other options include air filtration systems and changing the filters on your central air more often if you have one.
Other sources of outdoor pollution are allergens such as pollen. During periods of high pollen or dust, allergic people or those with asthma usually find relief by staying inside, but this isn’t helpful if the pollutants find their way indoors as well. Using air filtration and sealing up the house is the best solution to this problem.
Conclusion
The solution to better air quality can be similar regardless of the source of contaminants. Keep contaminates outside when possible, increase air filtration and change filters more often, and clean regularly. Following these measures can help with most air quality issues.
