The Hazards of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality is a growing concern in many developed countries, cleaning products, and poor air maintenance has led to the development of asthma in many populations. The hazards of poor indoor air quality go further than this and sometimes that can even be fatal, ensuring you have a clean home is essential to leading a healthy life.

General Air Quality 

General air quality includes having dirty air intake into the home, or having an environment in the home that has mold spores, or excessive amounts of bacteria and dirt particles. The professionals at https://filterbuy.com/resources/tips-for-clean-indoor-air/ suggest using plants as a natural form of air filter. Also, regularly changing air filters in your air conditioning units is also a method of keeping the air in your home fresh. 

The Effects Of Household Cleaners 

Many household cleaners contain fragrances that have unknown ingredients, and the manufacturers aren’t required to list them. Some terpenes (plant based compounds) that create scent are also associated with carcinogenic outcomes. An extended period of time breathing in carcinogenic substances can lead to increased levels of cancer in populations. It’s difficult to entirely stray away from household cleaners, but attempt to use soap when you can. Avoid using excessive amounts of air fresheners and only when they’re necessary. If you need to allow air into the house to remove a scent, open the windows, even if it’s colder or warmer weather outside. A small cost on energy bills is worth not needing to breath in the toxins associated with cleaning products. Look for naturally based cleaning products that don’t introduce any chemicals into their formula. 

Short-Term Effects Of Poor Air Quality 

The short-term effects of poor air quality can mimic that of the common cold or the flu and are not easily recognized. You may suffer from dizziness, headaches, and a running nose, just like you would if you were sick. This can be due to allergies from the dirt, or mold spores. If carbon monoxide has entered your home and you breathe it in, this can result in death. Carbon monoxide is not a visible gas, and it can’t be detected by smell, so having a carbon monoxide detector in your home is essential.

One way to tell if an area is causing you these symptoms because of poor air quality is to see if the symptoms abate when you leave. If you no longer have a runny nose after you leave your house, chances air there’s an issue with your air quality. Inspect your house to see if there are any mold problems around, and be sure to have them inspected accordingly.

Long-Term Effects Of Poor Air Quality 

Children who are exposed to poor air quality over time are more likely to develop worsening allergies. Keeping your windows open regularly and allowing fresh air in the home is one way to prevent the buildup of dust in the air. Other long-term effects include developing permanent respiratory conditions, or exacerbating existing long-term conditions like COPD. Sometimes poor air quality can lead to heart issues in the future, and the development of cancerous conditions. Chemicals like radon may be present in the dirt and water around your home, and you should have this tested. Two houses on the same street can have different levels of radon, and radon can cause cancer over long periods of time. 

The Hazards of Lead Based Paint 

Lead based paint was discontinued in the not so distant past, and some houses today still have some. Any houses built or painted prior to 1978 may have lead paint, and there are over 30 million houses in the U.S. that may have lead. If you’re sanding or scuffing any lead paint, this can cause particles to go into the air and lead to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can be treated, but the damage that is caused is permanent. Children who become poisoned by lead may suffer severe damage and have impairments in their stages of development. If you’re concerned, you have lead paint you should always have this tested and inspected. 

Always use natural based cleaners and fragrances in your home, and read reviews online about the products. Many manufacturers will often tout that they are “all natural” while not changing much about their formula. Keep plants around your home, try and keep your windows open, and maintain a clean air conditioning unit to prevent nauseating cold-like symptoms. If you have children this is important to ensure that they have robust long-term health and don’t develop asthma or conditions as a consequence. Avoiding sanding any painted surfaces if you live in a home built prior to 1978 in America, make sure you know that lead wasn’t used prior to doing the renovation. With enough know-how you can avoid the hazards associated with poor indoor air quality.