The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
When we think of pollutants, we usually think of those present in the environment, be it in the air, on the ground, or in rivers. Indoor air quality, on the other hand, is just as important to our daily lives and wellbeing, and the pollutants found inside should worry us just as much, if not more, than the pollutants found outside.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
It is vital for optimum health to breathe fresh, clean air inside. We spend over 90% of our time inside, therefore it’s critical that the air we breathe is clean. We breathe over 200,000 times a day, and breathing is our first instinctive activity and the most natural thing we as humans do.
When we consider the air we breathe and the quality of the air we breathe, we often consider pollution in the outdoors produced by carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides emitted by vehicles and factories.
The air in our houses, on the other hand, can be up to five times more contaminated than the air outside. The majority of people are aware of the health risks associated with outdoor air pollution, but few are aware of the potential problems associated with poor indoor air quality, despite the fact that it has the same negative health impacts.
It’s crucial to consider how poor indoor air quality is affecting our health and to seek solutions on how we can improve it. There are over 900 pollutants that may pollute our indoor air, and over 81% of people are at risk of respiratory or dermatological disorders as a result of poor indoor air quality.
These indoor air pollutants have the potential to harm our bodies in the long run. Although we know there is a link between smoking and health concerns such as heart disease, indoor pollution also causes respiratory problems.
The following are examples of common indoor air pollutants:
- Secondhand smoke is a dangerous indoor air pollutant that can aggravate asthma symptoms, increase the risk of ear infections in infants, and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
- Radon is a harmful gas pollutant that penetrates homes through cracks and other poorly sealed openings. It is the second biggest cause of lung cancer.
- Burning materials or inadequately vented fuel-burning equipment such as space heaters, wood stoves, gas stoves, water heaters, dryers, and fireplaces produce combustion pollutants, which include carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
The Benefits of Ventilation
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC system’s goal is to provide a safe and pleasant indoor environment for people. Installing a good ventilation system in your house can not only reduce pollution levels but also humidity levels, making the air quality in your house healthier & safer.
Fresh air is drawn in and circulated around your house by our ventilation systems, which improves the indoor atmosphere. Fresh air enters from the outside, passes through an air exchange, is filtered, and then dispensed throughout the house. Negative indoor air pollutants such as dust mites and pollen are filtered out of the property while the fresh air flows.
Make Sure You Have a Good Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air we breathe within our houses is frequently disregarded & overlooked. The advantages of ensuring your house has the highest indoor air quality, will greatly improve your family’s health and prevent any potential respiratory problems.
The following health issues are linked to poor Indoor Air Quality:
- Respiratory Illnesses
- Throat and Nasal Illnesses, Scratchy Throat
- Complications for Lung and Heart Conditions
- Coughing
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Headaches
- Moderate to Severe Allergic Reactions (Mold, Mildew)
- Asthma Complications
- Cancer
- Fatigue
- Skin illnesses scratchy
According to EPA or Environmental Protection Agency, the 3 best practices to improve your home’s air quality are by controlling pollution sources, ensuring appropriate ventilation, and employing additional air cleaning and filtration.
It’s also vital to maintain moisture under control and maintain humidity below 60%. (ideally, 30-50 % ).
Learning how to improve indoor air quality can help avoid minor health problems turning into major problems. Your home is a safe haven away from the problems we experience everyday. Cleaning your house and HVAC system on a regular basis will make it a safe environment for you and your family. Remember to arrange an appointment with Calvey Heating & Air if you need professional help in improve your home’s air quality!