Indoor Air Can Be Hazardous To You Health
Who would think indoor air can be hazardous to your health? Indoor air – a pollutant? Unfortunately, that is often the case.
Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Fortunately, several steps can be taken to ensure that your indoor environment is the safest.
The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) extremely important. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery, and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints, and personal care products.
The tight construction of today’s homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a build-up of contaminants within the home.
Poor IAQ can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, asthma and respiratory irritation.
Two health problems that can be helped by clean indoor air are allergies and asthma. Even people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from improved IAQ. By removing airborne dust particles from the air, the amount of exposure they have on the respiratory system is greatly reduced.
Thankfully, there are things a homeowner can do to help alleviate potential IAQ concerns. The first step toward improving indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating or reducing these sources are the most effective ways to clean the air. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit will contribute to a healthier living environment.
Ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home.
A third way to minimize the concentration of pollutants is by thoroughly cleaning the home. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help to reduce the amount of dust particles in the air.
Some of the most effective solutions for poor indoor air quality may involve heating and cooling systems. Electronic air cleaners (EACs) and high-efficiency air filters can assist in absorbing particles that otherwise would escape due to their size. EACs and high-efficiency filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt, and pollen. Other products that are available include dehumidifiers, carbon monoxide detectors, air purifiers, motorized dampers for fresh air and positive pressurization of the house and Energy Recovery and Ventilating equipment to bring in fresh air and not lose the heat or cooling.
To find out more about the most effective methods to improve indoor air quality, call Rick Barto at Clayton Air Conditioning and Heating. (409) 765-7011. Clayton Air Conditioning has been involved in Air Conditioning since 1980 with a combined experience of over 30 years in the Houston / Galveston area.
Rick Barto
Supervisor
Clayton Air
