Have you been experiencing any of the following symptoms, primarily while at home?
- Asthma
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes
- Nasal mucus
If so, home sweet home might be making you sick. Did you know that the air quality in your home can severely affect your health? Studies indicate that in most cases, outdoor air, even with pollutants, is healthier than the air quality inside most homes.
Common Pollutants
Some of the more common things that could be polluting your home and affecting your health are:
- Carbon Monoxide that comes from burning propane, charcoal and other fuels
- Cleaners
- Formaldehyde
- Fumes emitted by imported drywall
- Molds
- Pesticides
- Pet Dander
- Pollen
- Secondhand smoke
Most importantly, if you are experiencing severe symptoms and believe you have been exposed to any of the above-listed pollutants, it’s important to see a doctor. But if things are not yet quite so bad, you can take precautions now to make sure that your home air quality is safe and that your home is properly ventilated, by talking to an indoor air quality specialist.
Improving The Air Quality In Your Home
Indoor air quality specialists will offer at least three kinds of service to ensure the air in your home is free of health hazards. These are:
- Filtration
- Humidity control
- Infiltration
Filtration involves the use of filters and/or HEPA systems to remove contaminants from your air. Some systems can even neutralize mold, bacteria and viruses. People with asthma especially benefit from filtration systems.
Humidity Control
Controlling humidity inside your home can help with breathing (especially for those with respiratory problems), protecting furniture, or fine art, and even can stop cracks from forming in your home. During the summer when humidity is high in your home, humidity needs to be removed to avoid a damp, moldy and musty environment. During winter months, however, the use of artificial heat can remove humidity from a home creating a need to replace humidity. Humidity controllers, such as steam humidifiers and central dehumidifiers, can provide year-round solutions to maintaining the perfect climate in your home—for your health and for the protection of your home and its valuable contents.
Infiltration
Infiltration refers to air that enters your house through cracks, windows and doors that are not sealed properly. Pressurizing your home can ensure that these leaks do not occur and can help to ventilate your home with fresh air without affecting your central unit. There are several different solutions for infiltration. Contact an indoor air quality specialist for more information on how this service could benefit your home.
Radon
Radon in your home is another common problem that can lead to health complications. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year are due to radon poisoning. Radon is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas found in homes throughout the US. It gets into your home through cracks in floors, walls, and even your water supply. Thankfully, you can easily test for radon in your home and if high levels are found, you can treat it inexpensively, but you will want a state-certified radon contractor to assist you with radon removal.
You do everything you can to keep you and your family safe. Knowing that your home could be causing ailments ranging from headaches to cancer can be frightening. Don’t wait until health problems surface; be sure to consult with an indoor air quality specialist if you suspect your home contains air pollutants.