Reducing Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants
Over the years, some municipalities in our country have made great strides at improving their air quality, but the same may not necessarily be true of the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home. The U.S. EPA estimates that some of the worst air pollution people encounter comes from inside their own homes.
Who’s at Risk?
It’s not the older, draftier homes that are most vulnerable to poor IAQ. It’s the newer homes that are built to higher energy efficiency standards. These don’t have many air leaks. Most of the problems associated with contaminated indoor air come from the products homeowners use, including:
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Cleansing items
- Paraffin candles
- Anything perfumed
- Glues and adhesives
- Paint, stains and varnishes
- Some dry-cleaning chemicals
- Some new upholstery fabrics
If these products are manufactured with hydrocarbons, they emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are known to cause cancer, organ damage and nervous system disorders. Reactions may also be mild and limit themselves to headaches, respiratory distress or flu-like symptoms. Other pollutants come from dust that contains pollen, dust mite waste, dander and mold spores.
How to Minimize Pollutants
The best way to avoid air pollutants is to keep them out of your environment. Look for products that state they have low or no VOCs. If you use candles, switch to soy or beeswax. Use or make your own alternative cleaning products that are safe for the environment.
To minimize dust, change the air filter for your climate control system. Instead of sweeping them, vacuum the premises using a HEPA filter. The experts at Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can recommend the best air filter for your system to increase its efficiency and cut down on airborne particulates.
We can also install UV (ultraviolet) lights inside your air handler and ductwork. These lights alter the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and molds, making them unable to reproduce. They also alter the composition of VOCs to render them less harmful.
If you’d like to learn more about avoiding pollutants and improving your air quality, contact Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today. We provide trusted heating, cooling and air quality services throughout Anaheim and the surrounding areas.