The Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Most homeowners rarely think about the quality of air in their homes. Unless something goes badly wrong, homeowners stick to replacing their air filters every three months and call it a day. But the truth is that indoor air quality is often very poor. Studies have shown that indoor air pollution is often worse than outdoor air pollution – which is pretty scary to think about. Luckily, there are some common indoor air pollutants that every homeowner should be aware of.
Knowing what they are and what to do about them can help homeowners keep themselves and their families safe from poor indoor air quality.
Too Much Moisture
Believe it or not, too much moisture in the home’s air can be detrimental. Not only does excess moisture pose a threat to the home itself, but it can be dangerous for those living in the home too. When too much moisture is allowed to be in the home’s air, it can seep into walls and the home’s structure. It can cause wood to swell and rot, drywall to degrade, and mold to grow.
The presence of mold spores in the home can be very dangerous – especially to the very young and the elderly. Mold spores can cause respiratory illnesses and asthma. High humidity in the home can also attract pests and become a breeding ground for dust mites, which can all cause health problems for those in the home.
Dangerous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Other common indoor air pollutants are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These airborne toxins seep into the air from any number of household chemicals. But it’s not just chemicals that cause indoor air pollution – seemingly innocuous activities, like burning a scented candle – can release volatile organic compounds into the home’s air.
Most dangerous VOCs come from things like paints, cosmetics, cleaning products, waxes, and varnishes. When these items are used in the home, they release pollutants into the air. And while low levels of these pollutants can have little effect, higher levels can cause serious health problems and even death. Proper ventilation and on-time air filter replacement both help to keep a home’s VOC levels at healthy levels.
Deadly Carbon Monoxide
The last pollutant on the list is carbon monoxide. This gas is a well-known and very dangerous pollutant that can cause death. Although high carbon monoxide levels aren’t as common as volatile organic compounds in the home, homeowners need to be alert to the danger of this colorless, odorless, tasteless gas.
Getting a carbon monoxide detector in the home is the best way to protect against the dangers of this gas. A malfunctioning furnace can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is only one of the common ways this can happen. This is one reason why regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. It can also help keep the home’s indoor air pollution levels safe.
About Blaze Air
Blaze Air has served Winston-Salem, NC, since 1979. They offer free estimates and never charge extra – even for after-hours service. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and never leave a mess behind! Call Blaze Air today for indoor air quality service in Winston-Salem, NC.
