One of our primary priorities at home is the health of the family. That’s why we always provide the best food, and we try to keep our properties clean. However, indoor air pollution can be a threat to everyone’s well-being.
When thinking about air pollution, we usually think about black smoke coming from factories and cars around Utah. We don’t necessarily think it can affect the air we breathe at home.
Unfortunately, every home is prone to indoor air pollution.
What is Indoor Air Pollution?
Just like with the outdoors, indoor air pollution happens when air pollutants get mixed into the air we breathe.
Once our home’s air becomes contaminated, it can irritate or cause serious harm to our family and us. It may cause stroke and lung cancer, two deadly diseases that have already claimed millions of lives.
The best way to avoid indoor air pollution is to clean our homes regularly. We should also use less of the products that include contaminants or get rid of them entirely. Having an air purifier also helps, as well as proper ventilation that can bring in the fresh air around our home.
Top Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
Unbeknownst to us, we are using different items that can cause indoor air pollution. The more we stay in the dark, the more our health is at risk. That's not something every homeowner wants for their family.
Perhaps the most common pollutant is dust. It’s everywhere. But, it can be extremely harmful when the dust particles in the air increases. That’s why cleaning and dusting are incredibly important, especially if you have an HVAC system.
You may hire air conditioning and duct cleaning services in your area to avoid dust accumulation.
Here are other causes of indoor air pollution
- Biological pollutants – These are molds, pollen, dust mites, pet hairs, virus, and bacteria that float around the air. You can get rid of them through regular home maintenance.
- Insecticides and pesticides – If you often use these products at home to get rid of insects and pests, you’re polluting the air you breathe. These products contain toxic substances that can mix into the air and have harmful effects on humans.
- Tobacco smoke – If someone in the family smokes, everyone is in danger of getting lung cancer. Secondhand tobacco smoke is known to have 200 different types of poison and 43 carcinogens.
- Volatile organic gases – These are from rebuilding materials such as lacquer, paint, plywood, and glue. Volatile organic compounds emitted from these materials could be toxic and can even stay in the material years after initial use.
- Radon – Radon can be found in your basement, kitchen top, attics, and various building materials. It can seep through your walls and contaminate the air you breathe.
Effects on Health
Indoor air pollution can be nasty. It typically affects our respiratory syndrome and causes several problems, like cough and asthma attacks. Cold-like symptoms such as sore throat are also prevalent. It can also trigger allergic reactions.
Knowing what could cause harm to your family is essential. By knowing, you can find ways to avoid them and provide a healthier environment for everyone in your home.
