All of us are aware that air pollution can affect our health negatively. Car exhaust and factory smoke release harmful substances in the air that have been linked to many diseases. Did you know that air pollution is not just outdoors but also indoors? It is true that poor indoor air quality can be equally harmful as outdoor pollution. In this post, we discuss the impact that poor indoor air quality can have on your health and the health of your family.
To learn more about indoor air quality and what you can do to improve poor indoor air quality in your home, contact the heating and cooling experts at Galmiche & Sons.
How Does Poor Indoor Air Quality Affect Your Health?
Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Compared to the air outside, the concentration of some pollutants may be 2 to 5 times higher inside the house. As such, it is important to understand the causes of indoor air pollution, how it can impact your health, and what you can do about it.
Here is how poor air quality can impact your health:
- Respiratory illnesses: Indoor air pollutants may consist of harmful gases, household chemicals, pollen, smoke, and so on. These pollutants can cause several respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and even lung cancer. Poor indoor air quality also promotes the growth of mold and dust mites triggering asthma attacks. Pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde can also aggravate asthma symptoms in young children.
- Allergies: How does your HVAC system affect your allergies? Indoor air pollution can also cause allergic flare-ups. If the air indoors is not clean, it can increase allergic conditions like hay fever and rhinitis. If you constantly have a stuffy or runny nose, it could be because of allergies due to air pollution indoors.
- Eye irritation: If you frequently suffer from eye irritations, it could be because of poor air quality indoors. Volatile organic compounds found in carpet cleaners, air fresheners, and tobacco smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. The quality of air indoors can also be the reason behind sore eyes.
- Poor sleep: Poor indoor air quality can also be the reason why you are not getting a restful night’s sleep. Pollutants in the air can cause headaches and breathing issues, which can disrupt your sleep. Poor sleep has also been linked with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
How Can You Improve The Air Quality Indoors?
Improving air quality indoors is not as difficult as you might think. Here are a few tips that can ensure that the air inside your house is clean.
- Clean your air vents regularly and ensure that there is no dust or other particles accumulating in them.
- Open your windows more often to let fresh air come in. Improving circulation and ventilation can also improve the air quality within your house.
- Install an exhaust fan in your kitchen. Run the fan whenever you are cooking to get rid of fumes and odors.
- Ensure you get your HVAC system serviced regularly. Regular maintenance also makes your HVAC unit run more efficiently, lowering energy bills. You will also have cleaner air inside your house.
Prevent Poor Indoor Air Quality with Galmiche & Sons
Your HVAC system plays a very important role in maintaining the air quality indoors. Servicing and maintaining your HVAC system is necessary to prevent poor indoor air quality. For help maintain and servicing your heating and cooling system to ensure comfortable, healthy air, contact us today. Galmiche & Sons has been delivering outstanding service since 1950. For all your HVAC related needs, contact us today at 314-993-1110.
