There are many elements that contribute to making your home comfortable and homey. One factor which is somewhat overlooked, despite being very important, is your indoor air quality. Poor indoor air in your home can be unpleasant to live in and can even cause health risks.
Having good indoor air quality can prevent certain health risks. These risks can range from a mild irritation to potentially severe.
Any one of these issues could be a result of having below par air quality:
There are several factors which can negatively affect your air quality. By understanding what they are, you’re on your way to improving your home’s indoor air quality. We’ve listed 10 of the most important things to be aware of below.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be found in common cleaning products, glues, paints, aerosol sprays and refrigerants. They can be emitted when handling these products and can be harmful if inhaled. It’s important to take care when handling them.
Dust and pollen are often the most common causes of allergens. It’s a common problem, but it can be prevented from affecting your home and your overall air quality. A professional could install a HEPA air filter to reduce these irritants coming into your home if you aren’t sure how to do it yourself.
Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that can be found in soil and rock beneath your home. It can become dangerous when it diffuses through any cracks that might exist in your home’s foundation. When inhaled over a long period, it can cause respiratory disease and even lung cancer.
This may seem a bit of a no brainer since ventilation undoubtedly contributes to your air quality. However, it is still important to note. Poor ventilation can aggravate existing elements affecting your indoor air quality.
The chemical compounds that exist in air fresheners and aerosol products, do not always agree with everyone. Despite giving a fresh smell, these products are likely to stimulate allergies and irritants. Thus, negatively affecting your indoor air quality as opposed to helping it.
Biological agents or microbes stemming from mold or dampness, can be damaging to your health. Mold tends to thrive in humid environments like Boca Raton, creating excess moisture which can contribute to allergic reactions.
In 1978, the U.S. federal government banned lead paint from consumer use. Because of that, lead paint is typically only found in older homes. If it’s not properly removed, it can become flaky or chipped which causes lead dust. Lead dust is dangerous to inhale and can cause long-term health risks.
The temperature of your home matters when it comes to indoor air quality. Having your air conditioning system that is too cold or hot, is not healthy. For example, very warm air can aggravate factors that lead to unfavorable air quality. It’s important to make sure your air conditioning is functioning as it should, at all times.
Decades ago, Asbestos was a common mineral used in building materials as insulation and can still be found in older homes and apartment buildings throughout the United States. Asbestos is highly dangerous if inhaled as it can cause Mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer. If you live in an old home, you should always be wary of do-it-yourself renovations, as you may expose yourself to inhaling the deadly asbestos fibers. Always consult a professional before undertaking the task.
If you suspect you have asbestos in your Palm Beach County home or building, you need to get in touch with a professional asbestos removal company as soon as possible to conduct a thorough assessment of the property.
Sometimes your indoor air quality can be badly influenced by factors occurring outside of your home. High volumes of traffic, local industrial areas or even pesticide release from agricultural zones can all affect your air quality.
It’s important to be aware of these instances and take the appropriate measures to reduce its entry into your home.
At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, we specialize in ensuring that your indoor air quality is nothing but the best, and we can help you take the necessary steps. Simply get in touch with us at 561-391-1048 to schedule an appointment with an experienced HVAC technician in Boca Raton today.