How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
We all know that the quality of our indoor air can have a significant impact on our health, yet many of us are unaware of just how bad the air quality inside our own homes might be. In fact, studies have shown that air inside the home is often 2-5x more polluted than outdoor air. Luckily, professionals at Gustave A. Larson claim that a few simple steps we can take to improve the air quality of our homes and reduce the amount of pollutants in our environment.
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Indoor air quality is an important consideration for both residential and commercial buildings. Poor air quality can lead to a variety of health issues, from allergies and asthma to more serious respiratory illnesses. Therefore, it’s essential that measures are taken to ensure the air inside homes and businesses is clean and healthy for occupants.
The quality of indoor air is affected by many factors, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, chemicals from cleaning products, bacteria and viruses. Additionally, pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from cooking or heating sources can be absorbed into the air. As these particles become airborne they can cause irritation to the eyes and lungs, leading to breathing difficulties or allergic reactions. Pollution from outside sources can also find its way indoors through ventilation systems or open windows.
Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a range of illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, headaches, eye irritations, and fatigue. When left unchecked, these conditions can become chronic over time and have long-term effects on health. In the worst cases, prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality may even lead to cancer or heart disease. It’s easy to see why it’s so important that steps are taken to monitor and improve indoor air quality whenever possible in order to avoid any potential risks associated with poor ventilation or contaminated air particles.
How Can I Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Let’s take a look at 3 steps for improving indoor air quality:
1. Reduce pollutant sources
The first step in improving indoor air quality is to reduce or eliminate sources of airborne pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, bacteria, smoke and other allergens. The best way to do this is by routinely vacuuming carpets and furniture with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuum cleaner and by frequently washing bedding, curtains and other household fabrics. Additionally, you should make sure your HVAC system has clean filters as well as an adequate supply of fresh outside air coming into your house.
2. Reduce moisture levels
Another key step for improving indoor air quality is to reduce moisture levels in your home which can lead to mold growth. Make sure that all water leaks are repaired quickly and thoroughly. You should also use bathroom fans and range hoods when cooking or showering to vent moisture-laden air outside instead of letting it circulate within the home. To further reduce moisture levels, open windows (especially during humid days) or use dehumidifiers if necessary.
3. Consider purification filters
Finally, consider using some form of purification device such as HEPA filters or ionizers designed specifically for reducing indoor pollution levels. These devices will help remove fine particles from the air such as pollen and animal dander as well as certain gaseous pollutants like formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Keep in mind, however, that these devices alone cannot guarantee safe indoor air quality. To achieve optimal results, they must be used in conjunction with other measures mentioned above.
