Every Breath You Take
For many people, the home is a sanctuary. However, the air there may not be as clean as we think. Several aspects of modern living can actually spoil the air in the home. And because houses are being built and remodeled in ways that tightly seal the shell, drastically reducing air movement between the indoors and outdoors, pollutants in the house will largely remain there. The better informed you are about any air issues affecting the family home and health, the better equipped you will be to control and prevent them.
Indoor air problems stem from many substances including biological pollutants, combustion by-products, hazardous building materials, and household products.
Biological pollutants come from living matter. The most widespread examples include mold, animal dander, and dust mites. Excess condensation and poorly maintained HVAC systems can promote mold growth. Therefore it’s critical to have appliances with condensing units cleaned and serviced regularly. Minimize the impact of animal dander and dust mites with regular dusting and cleaning.
Fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, and kerosene, produce harmful by-products. Any heating appliance that burns fuel can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or excess water vapor. Ensure that all fuel-burning equipment is well maintained, properly vented, and inspected regularly for safety.
Remodeling projects give your home new sparkle, but the process can create unhealthy air. Home renovations often disturb areas containing old hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead paint, and can release particles into the air. Rather than try to remove them, which often creates more of a health hazard, it is better to carefully cover them up. A professional inspector can help you determine what hazardous materials you will uncover and how best to contain and clean them up. Paints, adhesives, and stripping and finishing solvents can also create indoor air pollution. Some of these products are volatile and flammable. Read all labels thoroughly and use them strictly as recommended.
The very chemicals we use to clean and disinfect our homes can also cause air pollution. Follow manufacturers’ instructions for amounts and usage. Use the least strong product that will do the job with the smallest amount necessary. Ventilate the area that you are cleaning so that fumes do not linger. Keep household chemicals tightly sealed in their original containers.
Be aware of the signs that you may have an indoor air quality problem. You may notice stale and musty odors. Dirty or faulty HVAC equipment will most likely affect the air quality. Excessive condensation and humidity often correlate to the presence of molds. And take note of any changes to the family’s health inside the home, such as irritated eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing, congestion, and fatigue. If you suspect a problem with the air in your home, take action promptly. A professional air quality inspector can do a comprehensive review of your home’s environment and help you address issues effectively. Once you have fixed existing problems, schedule annual inspections and service calls to prevent recurring damage.