While the environmentalists have focused a lot on the environment around your home, it’s also crucial to consider that indoor air quality is of great importance. Most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. The quality of indoor air you’re breathing has a significant impact on your health. Unfortunately, air contaminants can’t be seen with the naked eye, so you never realize the source of the problem. Breathing bad air every day and for an extended period of time can lead to serious health complications. Therefore, it’s important to take steps and ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Indoor air contaminants
Most of the elements in the air are odorless, which means there’s hardly anything to alert you. Indoor air quality tends to be worse in the winter when people feel cozy being sealed in tight against the cold. The reduced flow of fresh air from the outside will lead to an increased amount of allergy-inducing particles such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. These air contaminants will keep circulating throughout your house.
People that are more vulnerable to air pollution include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with lung and heart conditions. Types of air pollutants include:
- Chemical pollutants (lead, ozone, asbestos, carbon monoxide, etc.)
- Biological pollutants (bacteria, dust mites, pollen, and spores)
- Radiological pollutants (radioactive substances)
Related: Indoor air quality risks
How to improve air quality
Adequate natural ventilation and the use of healthier building materials can help you lower the risks of indoor air pollutants. In order to avoid allergy symptoms and asthma flare-ups, you need to improve your indoor air quality. Here are some tips to make breathing easy throughout the year:
Keep it clean
Good indoor hygiene can greatly cut down animal dander and dust. You should make efforts to reduce the accumulation of mold, pet dander, and dust lurking in your home. To improve the situation, vacuum rugs and carpets at least once a week. It’s also helpful to clean bedding, drapes, and other objects that can accumulate allergens.
Air purifiers can help
If you’re unable to trace down the source of the problem, you should consider using an air purifier – you can place purifiers in commonly used areas of your house to capture some of the irritants that may trigger symptoms. It’s hardly possible to completely remove the allergens from the air. However, you can reduce them and mitigate the intensity of the problem. You can also consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas to prevent the growth of mold.
Always use energy-efficient and high-quality HVAC systems that can handle allergens and keep the indoor air clean.
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