Many people have no idea that air pollution is often worse indoors than it is outdoors. It's mostly the result of homes being airtight and full of many things that off-gas air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. Even the building materials can be a source of air pollutants.
The air we breathe in doesn't just affect our lung tissue. The smallest particulate matter that floats on the air can cross blood-brain barriers and affect human health in a number of ways. Concerns about indoor and outdoor air quality are widespread and have been a problem for decades now in some areas.
Even though improving poor indoor air quality can seem like a big undertaking, there are simple solutions that can make a significant difference in your quality of life.
Poor Air Quality Can Make Health Problems Worse
Today, many people are focused on optimizing their health, not ignoring problems until they get worse. Indoor air pollution is definitely a problem you don't want to ignore because it can have a very negative impact on people who have existing health problems. It's particularly problematic for people that have weakened immune systems or a respiratory disease such as chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Allergies are another issue that can be worse if there's poor indoor air quality. Something else to watch out for is an increase in asthma attacks. Air pollution is known to trigger asthma attacks in people of all ages.
Air Quality Can Influence Risk for Future Health Problems
Household air pollution can also impact a person's future health. Studies have shown that poor air quality increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. And if you don't already have asthma attacks, you're more likely to develop them if you live in an area with poor indoor and outdoor air quality.
There has been more focus on indoor air quality rather than outdoor air pollution of late because people are spending more time inside. The latest studies show that the average American adult is indoors over 90% of the day. Given that outdoor air pollution levels are usually lower than indoor levels, it's a troubling trend.
Another growing concern is the presence of microplastics that can be breathed in. The smallest particles have been found in fecal matter and body tissue. This means we process out some microplastics but not others. It's important to take precautions to minimize exposure by improving air quality inside your home to avoid adverse health effects in the future.
Less Productivity If You Work From Home
Air quality matters anywhere that's considered a workspace, including your home office. The EPA has stated that poor indoor air quality is costing the nation billions in lost productivity and medical expenses.
If you or someone in your household is working from home, productivity could get better if you improve air quality inside. And if you're self-employed that could actually have a positive impact on your income.
What You Can Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
Breathing polluted air is never good for your health. You can't control everything affecting the outdoor air pollution levels, but you do have a lot of control over the indoor air quality of your home.
Change the HVAC air filters regularly. How often you should change the air filters depends on a number of factors including health needs, if pets live indoors, the air tightness of the structure and the age of the HVAC unit. You may also want to consider upgrading to HEPA filters that clear at least 99.97% of micro size contaminants out of the air.
Get the HVAC system serviced. Something else you can do to improve air quality and avoid major repairs is to get the HVAC system serviced by a professional once or twice a year. Part of the servicing involves cleaning components so there are fewer airborne particles.
Improve the ventilation. Indoor air quality is actually worse when a tightly constructed and sealed house doesn't have proper ventilation for good air flow. It's best to cycle air outdoors and pull in fresh air rather than recirculating the same air over and over.
Use air purifiers. You can place air purifiers around your home as needed for an extra layer of purification. For example, you can put an air purifier in the bedrooms so that more air pollutants are captured while you sleep. Here again look for purifiers with HEPA filters.
Minimize burning fossil fuels inside. Cooking on a gas stove top is preferred by many, and who doesn't love a cozy fire? The problem is using gas appliances can cause carbon monoxide and other contaminants to release into the air.
The Air Around You Might Not Be as Clean as You Think
If you think the air in your area is clean because you don't see smog that's a misconception. After all, carbon monoxide is a deadly air pollutant that is completely invisible.
Air pollution can come from things that are around us every day like vehicle exhaust. It's why some cities are concerned about the increase in drive through restaurants where vehicles sit idle. There are also natural sources of air pollution like wildfire smoke.
Air pollution is all around, but it doesn't have to be in your home. There are steps you can take to improve the air quality inside and breathe easier when you're in your own living space.
Worried about indoor air quality at home? Contact Allstate Air and Heat to schedule a free inspection!
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