Poor air quality can have a huge impact on the health of you and your family. The EPA defines air quality as the air quality within and around buildings and structures that relates to the health or comfort of residents. Poor indoor air quality is ranked as one of the top five risks to public health.
Indoor air quality is important. In order to better understand how to improve air quality, it is important to first understand what types of things hurt air quality. This quick guide will help you better understand factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality and some of the health risks it can cause.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
You should be aware of some of the things that pollute indoor air so that you can better protect your home and family.
- Lead
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Radon
- Pests
- Carbon monoxide
- Pet dander
- Second-hand smoke
All of these factors can also be made worse when there is climate change or extreme humidity. Even precipitation can make the effects of these pollutants worse. Any increase in moisture will promote mold growth inside as well as promote the growth of bacteria.
Immediate Effects of Air Pollutants
Poor air quality can have a long-term effect on your health, but it can also have some immediate effects as well. You may experience:
- Eye irritation
- Nose irritation
- Throat irritation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Worsening asthma symptoms
5 Health Risks Caused By Poor Indoor Air Quality
Not all health risks will be immediately obvious. The following are five health risks caused by poor indoor air quality.
- Respiratory diseases
- Worsening respiratory diseases
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Illness resulting from mold or bacteria
Those Who Are At High Risk
Poor indoor air quality can affect anyone, but there are some people who are at higher risk of developing health problems. These would include:
- Children
- Elderly
- Those with compromised immune systems
- Those with existing health conditions
How To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality At Home
There are steps you can take to improve indoor air quality at home.
Don’t smoke. If you or anyone in the home smokes, you should consider quitting. There should be a no-smoking rule inside the home.
Install air purification systems. A home air purification system is a great way to improve the indoor air quality of your home. These systems will constantly be working to remove impurities and pollutants from your air. Homes with indoor air purification systems are cleaner and healthier.
Keep pets clean. It is also helpful to make sure that any pets that live inside the house are kept clean. A clean pet will produce less dander.
Keep up with chores. It is also important to stay on top of household chores like dusting and mopping. When these chores are ignored, dirt, dust, and germs can build up. These will eventually work their way into your home’s air and then into your lungs. Keep your house tidy to keep down indoor air pollutants.