It’s no secret that air pollution is a major problem in many cities around the world, including Wichita, Kansas. But did you know that the air inside your own home can be even more polluted than the air outside? That’s right, the air you breathe indoors can contain all sorts of harmful particles, from dust and allergens to chemicals and toxins. The first step to better indoor air quality is understanding common indoor air pollutants and knowing how they can be affecting you.
UNDERSTANDING COMMON INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS
Indoor air pollutants are any particles or gasses that can be found in the air inside your home. These pollutants can range from allergens like dust and pet dander to chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene.
The air inside our homes in Wichita, Kansas, can be polluted by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality include:
- Inadequate ventilation: Poor ventilation can trap pollutants inside your home and prevent fresh air from entering. This can be caused by a lack of windows or inadequate ventilation systems.
- Indoor smoking: Smoking inside your home can release harmful chemicals into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
- Chemical cleaners: Many common household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can release harmful fumes into the air. These fumes can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and cause respiratory problems.
- Pet dander and dust: Pet dander and dust can accumulate in your home and cause allergies and respiratory problems.
- Mold: Mold can grow in damp areas of your home and release spores into the air. These spores can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
- Radon: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation. Exposure to radon can increase your risk of lung cancer.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on our health. Some of the health effects of poor indoor air quality include:
- Respiratory problems: Exposure to indoor pollutants can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
- Allergies: Indoor pollutants can trigger allergies and cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.
- Headaches and dizziness: Exposure to indoor pollutants can cause headaches and dizziness, which can be especially problematic for people who suffer from migraines.
- Fatigue: Poor indoor air quality can make you feel tired and sluggish, which can impact your ability to work and enjoy your daily activities.
- Long-term health effects: Exposure to indoor pollutants over an extended period can increase your risk of developing long-term health problems, such as heart disease and cancer.
SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Common sources of indoor air pollution include:
- Fuel-burning combustion appliances (e.g. gas stoves or wood-burning fireplaces)
- Tobacco products (e.g. cigarette or cigar smoke)
- Building materials and furnishings, such as cleaning products, glues, and paint
- Biological pollutants like mold, dust mites, and pet dander
- Gasses such as radon and carbon monoxide (from furnaces, boilers, and other heating devices)
BENEFITS OF IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Improving the air quality in your home can have a number of benefits, including:
- Better Respiratory Health: By removing pollutants from the air, you can improve your respiratory health and reduce the risk of developing conditions like asthma and allergies.
- Improved Sleep: Breathing clean air can help you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.
- Increased Energy: Improving the air quality in your home can help to reduce fatigue and increase your energy levels.
- Better Overall Health: By breathing clean air, you can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions.
There are plenty of simple steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home in Wichita, Kansas, and boost your overall health. In the next blog, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to clear the air in your home, from using air purifiers and plants to reducing your use of chemical cleaners and switching to natural materials. If you have tried to improve the indoor air quality of your home and are still experiencing issues, please give FreshCo a call. We can help you to breathe easier and feel better in your own home.
“They cleaned my basement after flood damage, so easy to work with. A+”
— TONY G. IN WICHITA, KANSAS
