Indoor air pollution is a serious concern for many families, especially considering that we spend a fairly large chunk of our time indoors. In fact, with things like social distancing and remote work on the rise, we've started spending even more time indoors than usual, which exposes us to indoor air pollution - from headaches and fatigue to respiratory problems.
It can be challenging to get rid of the sources of indoor air pollution completely, but there are still plenty of ways to address them. Let's look at some of the more common causes of indoor air pollution and what to do about them.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation is one of the biggest culprits of indoor air problems. When your home lacks fresh air, the air inside gets stagnant and contaminated with pollutants. You must ensure your home is always adequately ventilated to keep the air fresh and clean.
Even something as simple as opening up the windows and doors can help with this, but having a proper ventilation system can get you even better air quality.
Dust & Debris
Let's face it, cleaning your home isn't always the most fun task, but it's crucial for keeping your indoor air fresh and clean! Dust and debris can build up in your home over time, contributing to poor indoor air quality.
To prevent this, regularly dust and vacuum your home, especially in areas like carpets, upholstery, and curtains. For the best results, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. It works great and can even capture the tiniest particles, reducing allergens in your home.
Remember to clean your air vents and ducts regularly to ensure your HVAC system is circulating clean air throughout!
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are pesky little things that love to grow in damp areas of your home, and they make your home smell musty and make the air feel unclean.
Ventilation can do a pretty good job of keeping mold and mildew from growing, and you can use a dehumidifier if you feel like your home isn't ventilated enough.
If you discover either of these in your home, though, don't worry - it's a common problem that can be easily solved. First, identify the source of the moisture and fix it to avoid further growth. Then, you can use a solution of bleach and water to get rid of what's already there. Remember to wear gloves and a mask!
Household Pets
We all love our furry friends, but it's important to remember that they can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Pet dander, fur, and odors can all be significant culprits of indoor air pollution. To keep your home smelling fresh and your air clean, give your pets regular baths and brush them often to reduce shedding.
If you notice any bathroom accidents, clean them immediately because the smell can often settle into the floors and carpets. You'd want to use an enzymatic cleaner to remove pet odors properly.
Make sure to vacuum frequently with one with a HEPA filter since these are pretty good at capturing tiny pet hairs. Using an air filter can also help eliminate lingering odors and particles.
This way, you and your pet can breathe easily and have a clean and fresh home environment.
Cigarette Smoke
We all know smoking isn't great for our health, but it's also bad for the air quality in our homes. If you or someone in your home likes to smoke, consider smoking outside to avoid filling up your living space with cigarette smoke. You can also try using an air purifier indoors to help filter out some of the smoke.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals found in cleaning supplies, paints, and the furniture we use at home, and they can harm the air quality in your home. To reduce their impact, you should opt for natural cleaning products free of chemicals and find furniture made of non-toxic materials.
Although household supplies don't emit VOCs in huge quantities, they can still damage the air, and small changes can make a big difference in the long run.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is another common indoor air pollutant. It's usually found in building materials like wood products and carpets, though not in hazardous amounts. Still, over time, it can start to off-gas and pollute the air, causing headaches, dizziness, and irritation in the eye, nose, and throat.
Dealing with the issue is simple. Make sure you pick out products with low formaldehyde emissions. These are labeled with "no added formaldehyde" or sometimes "low-VOC."
It's also a good idea to improve the ventilation and air circulation around the house. Open up the windows and use exhaust fans to keep the air moving; the air inside your home will stay fresh and clean.
Cooking
Cooking can also cause problems when it comes to indoor air quality. Sometimes, cooking can create smoke, steam, soot, and pollutants that can spread through the air and cause pollution. In fact, if you spend long periods in the kitchen, breathing becomes difficult after some time, and the smell of food and spices might break you out into a cough.
There are ways to manage that, though. Use an exhaust fan while you cook so that all the smoke and steam can be vented out of the kitchen. This way, it won't spread to the rest of the house, and you can continue cooking without putting yourself at risk.
Opening windows and doors can also improve ventilation and allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home.
With these simple steps, you can breathe easily, knowing you are doing your part to maintain good indoor air quality.
Radon
Radon gas is a naturally occurring byproduct of the breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil, and water, and its radioactivity makes it a concern.
As radon seeps up through the ground, it can enter buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps in floors and walls, and openings around pipes and cables.
Once it gets inside, radon can accumulate to high levels and contribute to indoor air pollution, becoming a severe health hazard.
Because it's natural gas, there's no real way to eliminate radon completely; luckily, it's not harmful in small amounts. Still, since it accumulates over time, it can cause problems if you don't get rid of it.
But don't worry; there are easy ways to test for radon and keep your home safe. A radon testing kit from the hardware store does the job just fine. Some kits need lab testing for analysis, while others give instant results, so pick them out carefully.
If the tests show high radon levels in your home, you may have to install radon mitigation systems in your home. Make sure to seal any cracks or holes as well, to prevent the issue in the future.
Air Fresheners
We all want our homes to smell fresh and inviting, but did you know that some air fresheners for homes could harm indoor air quality?
Many air fresheners are packed with chemicals that can be risky when inhaled. Rather than taking any chances, it's better to opt for natural options like essential oils and dehumidifiers, or at least make sure the air fresheners you use are safe from these chemicals.
HVAC Filters
Your home's HVAC system is like the lungs of your house, constantly working to keep the air clean and fresh. Giving it a little love and attention is important by regularly changing its air filters.
This ensures the system functions at its best, filtering out pesky pollutants that can cause respiratory problems and allergies. The Colorfil air filters for homes have a coating technology that can remove particulate matter like regular filters and kill viruses, bacteria, and mold. It also removes toxic chemicals and odors, leaving the house smelling fresh and clean.
By keeping your filters clean and well-maintained, you can breathe easy knowing that your HVAC system is doing its job to keep your home's air quality healthy and safe. The Colorfil HVAC filters make this a lot easier since it features a vibrant color change when the time comes to replace it.
Colorfil air filters are a great way to make your home smell better, feel healthier, and avoid all the problems that stem from indoor air pollution.
Check out our products now, and make your home fresh and clean.