We all know that the air outside isn’t always clean, but did you know that the air inside your home can be just as polluted? In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can actually be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. That’s a crazy number, isn’t it? Unfortunately, as an expert from the radon mitigation Cincinnati Ohio mentioned, many of us don’t do much to address this issue and are exposed to a variety of indoor air pollutants on a daily basis. This only leads to huge health problems down the road, such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. So what exactly are these pollutants? Here is a list of the four major indoor air pollutants and the safe methods to get rid of those.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Have you ever noticed that new furniture or paint smells? That smell is actually chemical gases that are being released into the air, which you may be inhaling. These VOCs can cause respiratory and neurological problems, so limiting your exposure as much as possible is best. To do this, buy low-VOC products like paints and furniture and keep your windows open to allow the air to circulate. Aside from that, you may also want to invest in an air purifier to help reduce the number of VOCs present in your home.
Biological Pollutants
Dust mites, molds, and pet dander are all examples of biological pollutants which can trigger allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms. According to the American Lung Association, one of the best ways to protect yourself from these contaminants is through an air purification system that specifically targets biological pollutants. Regular vacuuming and dusting can also help eliminate the buildup of pollen, mites, and dander in your home. It’s also a good idea to keep the humidity levels in your house low by using a dehumidifier to discourage mold growth.
Emissions From Heaters and Cookstoves
Cooking and heating your home produces emissions that can be dangerous when inhaled in large quantities. Things can go south if you don’t properly ventilate your home, which makes you breathe these emissions whenever you are in your home. So make sure to keep all heating appliances in good condition and clean regularly. Additionally, it’s important to install air filters on HVAC systems and use an exhaust fan while cooking to help ventilate your home. While these methods may not eliminate these pollutants, they will help reduce exposure and clean the air in your home.
Tobacco Smoke
Smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products can contain many dangerous chemicals known to cause various illnesses. Quitting smoking is the best way to protect against this pollutant, but if you have someone in your home that smokes, make sure they do it outside. Additionally, you may want to look into air purification systems that can help reduce the amount of secondhand smoke in your environment.
Simply put, the risks are always there. Making the air inside your home clean and free of toxins is a must to ensure your family’s health. So make sure you take the necessary steps to reduce the amount of indoor air pollutants in your home and keep everyone safe. Investing in a quality air purifier is also a good idea to help improve air quality and ensure your home is a safe environment for everyone.