Three of the Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants Found In Homes
When thinking of air pollution, it’s only natural to picture the well-known outdoor pollutants like vehicle exhaust, smoke, and pollen. It’s also natural to assume that retreating indoors means being less exposed to these pollutants. But in truth, indoor air can contain much higher concentrations of pollutants as outdoor air becomes trapped inside and continually recirculated throughout the home.
And on top of the outdoor pollutants that have floated in, the average home can contain plenty of harmful indoor air pollutants of its own. Protecting against these pollutants starts with awareness, so read on to learn about three of the most common indoor air contaminants, the dangers they pose, and how to combat them.
Excessive Humidity
Anyone can understand that a home with excessively high moisture content in the air will be a pretty uncomfortable place. But not everyone realizes that it can greatly affect the home’s indoor air quality as well. When a home’s relative humidity rises above a certain level (usually around 60%), a number of problems begin to arise.
First off, the air will be heavy, and the house will be stuffy, which can already make it harder to breathe, particularly for those with respiratory sensitivities. But such a moisture-rich environment also makes an ideal breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and dust mites. These infestations can release a swath of harmful pollutants into the air, triggering allergies and even leading to serious respiratory diseases with prolonged exposure.
VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some of the lesser-known air pollutants around, and yet they’re present in some form or another in nearly every American home. VOCs include a wide range of organic chemicals used in a vast number of household products. Formaldehyde is one VOC that many people may be familiar with.
VOCs are released as gases when products containing them are used. A few products that may contain VOCs are paints, solvents, aerosols, pesticides, cleaning solutions, disinfectants, fuels, automotive fluids, and glues. To avoid being exposed to these in high concentrations, these products should never be used without adequate ventilation. Exposure to VOCs can produce a range of health effects, from headaches and respiratory irritation to organ damage and long-term illnesses.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a well-known indoor air pollutant, but it’s also among the most insidious and dangerous of all. It has no odor, color, or taste, making it impossible to detect without special equipment. It can also come from various potential sources within a home, including poorly maintained or ventilated gas appliances, faulty or incorrectly calibrated pilot lights, and leaky fireplaces.
Carbon monoxide is extremely toxic - exposure to high concentrations can be fatal. Some of the symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, confusion, impaired vision, headaches, and nausea. If homeowners even suspect a carbon monoxide or other natural gas leak, they should immediately evacuate the home (including the pets!) and call their local emergency services from a neighbor’s yard. Once the house has been cleared for re-entry and the problem repaired by a certified professional, it will be safe to go back inside.
About Method Air
The friendly experts at Method Air are known for their honest, transparent service, prompt arrival, and unbeatable workmanship. They offer same-day service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They are well-versed in all things HVAC, so call today for expert indoor air quality services in Draper, UT.
