Air Pollution Indoors
When you think of the term “air pollution” what comes to mind? Smog, soot, and greenhouse gases? You’re not wrong. Each of those is an example of air pollution. Although, air pollution isn’t only outdoors. In fact, your home could be harboring harmful pollutants. Unlike the outdoors, it is a concentrated space. This means pollutants are more likely to stay in your home. Especially if they go unchecked. Do you know how to protect your home and your health? This month, we have all the details to help you and your family. It’s time to start paying more attention to the air we are breathing in.
You might think that if you have a clean home, you don’t have toxins. Nevertheless, that’s not the case. Quite often, toxins come from things such as chemicals and high temperatures. For example, high temperatures lead to humidity, which can lead to mold. It is a vicious cycle that cannot be stopped. But, you can be sure to maintain your home.
When it comes to air quality, your HVAC plays a significant role. Without a doubt, proper maintenance is vital. Still, you can do more. Here are a few of the common causes and effects of air pollution in your home.
Causes and Effects of Indoor Air Pollution
Asbestos is the leading cause of toxins in the home. Have you checked your home? Asbestos lives in building materials such as paints, ceilings, and flooring. While most newer homes are safe, older homes need special consideration. In modern-day, the use of asbestos in materials is prohibited. Though, in the past, there were no restrictions.
Studies show that asbestos in the home is remarkably hazardous. They have been known to increase the likelihood of various cancers. So, if you have any doubts, bring in a professional. Better safe than sorry, right?
Mold is another common toxin. You are probably pretty familiar with this one. But, some strains are worse than others. It is essential to know how to spot the differences. More importantly, to find the culprit. More often than not, mold is a result of humidity in the home. With the help of a professional, it could be an easy fix. As a note, if you have water leaks, your home is at a higher risk.
Mold is most commonly found in:
- Basements
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Humidifiers
- Bathrooms (Especially with little ventilation)
Aside from mold and asbestos, there are some familiar sources of air pollution indoors. You may be surprised at the items on this list:
- Carpet Fumes – After you install a new carpet, there’s a good chance it will release toxins into your air. The backing and glue emit chemicals known as “off-gassing.” Dizziness, headaches, and nausea are all common symptoms.
- Non-Stick Pans – Do you own one of these? Chances are you have at some point. Non-stick cookware has been around for ages. But that doesn’t mean its the safest option.
- Gas Ovens – A household staple, yet homes with gas ovens produce higher amounts of Co2. During the winter, be sure to use proper ventilation.
Improve Air Quality With HVAC
As we mentioned, the HVAC in your home plays a significant role in air quality. Similarly, advancements in HVAC allow us to help you prevent air pollution while increasing air quality. For a full home inspection, Give us a Call. One of our skilled technicians would be happy to spot out any issues and curate a plan. Whether you are looking to maintain, upgrade, or install, we can help. But where do you start?
Well, there are a few things you can do to help. The little efforts are just as important as the big ones. Our first tip, as always, is to create a maintenance schedule. While we advise annual service from an HVAC technician, you should be able to change the filters yourself. The first step to better air quality is changing the filters on time. For instance, as we move into spring, your focus will be on your AC unit. By keeping the filter clean, you keep the cold air in your home cleaned as well.
Next, we suggest choosing paints and cleaners that are low in toxins. Trust us; it will be worth the extra money. These are the silent killers, the air pollution that lingers, but you will never see nor notice.
Lastly, we encourage proper ventilation. For you, this means turning on fans in bathrooms or above gas stoves. But more importantly, it’s about ensuring the ventilation in your home as a whole is sufficient. Not sure if your home is well ventilated? That’s where we come in.
All ATN Mechanical technicians are trained to provide the best solutions for your home. We work with you to find the ideal route to take. Plus, we can provide a plan to keep your systems on a schedule. Let us do the work for you.
Indoor Plants to Increase Air Quality
You might not always be able to eliminate air pollution. However, you can do as much as possible to combat it. During NASA’s Clean Air Study, they concluded that there are several plants to detoxify your home. These plants remove toxins that are airborne such as dust and germs. Commonly, airborne toxins originate from household items such as cleaners. It’s essential to check the ingredients of the products you use. You might be surprised at what you are using. More importantly, what it is doing to the quality of the air in your home.
First, we suggest following the tips we mentioned. It is essential to start with the root of the problem. Then, you can maintain it from there.
With that in mind, we have a list of plants you can add to your home. These plants are known to increase air quality. Plus, they add some fun to your decor. Fun fact, most of the listed plants only require watering once a week. How manageable is that?
Top 10 Air Purifying House Plants
- Bamboo Palm
- English Ivy
- Gerber Daisy
- Dracaena (Janet Craig, Red Edged, Warneckii)
- Corn Plant
- Snake Plant
- Chrysanthemum
- Spider Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Weeping Fig
