What’s Causing Your Indoor Air Pollution?
We don’t always pay attention to the things we breathe in every day. Many of the particles we put into the air aren’t especially great for us, though. Breathing in harsh materials over an extended period of time can lead to some serious respiratory problems. That’s why it’s important to keep indoor air clean for you and your family. Here are some things that may be causing pollution in your home.
1. Pet Hair
You love your pets. They’re an important part of your family and home. However, they tend to have a lot of hair that might not be the best for the air you and your family breathe. Their dander gets caught in the carpets and furniture and finds its way into the air as well. Look for pets that don’t shed, or keep your animals outside if any of your guests have allergies.
2. Smoke
There are many reasons that you shouldn’t smoke, and you certainly shouldn’t smoke inside. Smoking is bad for your heart, your lungs, your teeth, and your skin. Cigarettes can make your home smell bad, too. They can also be a serious fire hazard if someone accidentally falls asleep while smoking. What’s more, the smoke you exhale goes into your indoor air. This means that everyone will be breathing in the smoke. If someone must smoke, ask him or her to do it outside.
3. Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that can easily get released into the air. If you breathe these fibers, they can cause a variety of issues, including lung cancer. Unfortunately, the use of asbestos was surprisingly common many years ago. In fact, it was used in everything from insulation to tiles. That’s because we only recently discovered how dangerous it can be.
Today, some older houses still have asbestos in them without the owners even knowing. You obviously don’t want this material in your home. Talk to an expert to ensure that you don’t have asbestos on your property. If you do, get it removed right away. You can then work on cleaning the air.
4. Chemicals
We use many more chemicals throughout the day than you think. Just read all of the ingredients on the different cans of cleaning products under your sink. When you use these products, the chemicals get into the air. That’s why you should always allow for proper ventilation when cleaning with any type of chemical. You should also try to move to all-natural products that don’t use chemicals. There are plenty of organic cleaning products available on the market today.
Cleaning products aren’t the only items that contain chemicals, though. Hairspray and other aerosol cans, perfumes, and paints all contain chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution.
5. Dust
Dust accumulates in your carpets and on your floors very quickly. It will also be on your dirty clothes as well as your shelves and counters, and all of this gets into the air. The best way to manage this is to dust your house often. You should also vacuum and do your laundry frequently. When this still doesn’t seem to be enough, consider buying an air purifier to help.
6. Mold
Mold grows in hot, moist conditions. That makes it particularly common in areas like the bathroom and basement. Certain molds, especially black mold, are extremely dangerous for people to breathe in. You will notice the dark spots or the smell.
You’ll need to remove the mold before you can tackle the issue of air quality. The longer you wait to get rid of the mold, the larger (and more expensive) the cleanup job will be.
7. Radon
Radon is a chemical gas that can get into your air. It comes from the soil that your house is sitting on. In all soil and rocks, naturally occurring radioactive elements exist and will eventually start to decay. This material needs to go somewhere, which may mean it ends up in your home.
Ask a professional to test the amount of radon you have on your property. If the radon levels are high, you should insulate your home to prevent the gas from getting into your indoor living areas. You’ll also want to invest in equipment to help purify the air.
Your family deserves to breathe clean air. You can’t make the air completely perfect, but you can make it better by learning about the biggest toxins. If you still have more questions regarding your indoor air quality, call Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Anaheim today. We provide Orange County residents with indoor air quality help as well as a full range of heating and air services. Our team even offers attic insulation services and home energy upgrades.