When you think of pollution, you probably think of factories illegally dumping waste into waterways, cities covered by ever-permanent blankets of smog or the exhaust of consumer vehicles pumping out tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These are all major sources of pollution, though most people fail to think about indoor air pollutants. Even if you live in a rural area with crisp, clean air, your home may suffer from poor indoor air quality as a result of these major indoor air pollutants.
1. Cleaning Products
Cleaning products help households and businesses maintain clean environments without expending too much elbow grease. You might be surprised to learn that some cleaning products contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, or substances that turn into gas easily. These gases can mess with your breathing, vision and overall health.
2. Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco has long been known as a harmful substance. Even people who don’t smoke themselves can suffer health problems like asthma flare-ups, low birth weight, lung cancer and sudden infant death syndrome. Although tobacco isn’t often smoked in most homes, tobacco smoke is a common indoor air pollutant, not to mention one of the most preventable. If you or someone you live with smokes, have them smoke outside — it will unarguably improve indoor air quality.
3. Mold
Like all organisms, mold has just as much of a right to live on planet Earth as humans do. That doesn’t mean you should live with mold, however. Mold, which travels via airborne spores, loves cool, damp areas with little ventilation. Reducing humidity, limiting the spread of moisture and increasing ventilation are your best defenses against unwanted indoor mold.
4. Building Materials
Although homes, apartments and other buildings are built with safer materials today than they were a century or even a few decades ago, many indoor spaces are still home to building materials that reduce indoor air quality. Pressed wood products, such as cabinets, may put off formaldehyde over time. Walls and ceilings in old buildings may be coated with lead paint, another serious indoor air pollutant. While the ideal treatment is to remove and replace them, these surfaces can be covered up with paint, varnish and other surface-sealing materials that inhibit the release of formaldehyde, lead and other pollutants into the air.
You don’t have to live with poor indoor air quality. At Logan's Heating & Cooling, located in Clinton, Missouri, we install and replace ductwork, clean vents, lay down sheet metal, fix electrical issues, put in new water heaters, improve indoor air quality and more. Visit us online to view current specials, explore our other services and learn about our company’s history. We would love the opportunity to serve your indoor home climate comfort needs.
