Breathing Clean Air: The Causes and Solutions of Poor Air Quality

The World Health Organization establishes standards for good air quality, and 99% of the worldbreathes air that doesn’t meet these standards. Imagine what breathing such polluted air is doing to your health!

If your home’s indoor air quality is poor, you should find out why and fix it. When you start breathing clean air, you’ll have fewer allergic reactions and healthier lungs. Keep reading for common indoor air quality problems and what you can do about them.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that you’ll find in insulation materials, floor tiles, and other textiles produced before 1989. It’s only harmful when it breaks down into smaller particles and becomes airborne. Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer.

Solution

If you know that there’s asbestos in your home, have it removed as soon as possible to prevent further exposure. In cases where asbestos can’t be removed, professionals will seal the material to prevent the spread of fibers.

While you wait for a professional, use an air filter to improve air quality. An air filter will capture some of those asbestos particles before they get into your lungs.

Mold

Mold is a microscopic organism that grows on organic matter. It thrives in warm and moist areas. If you don’t clean out your HVAC system regularly, it will be more susceptible to mold growth.

If you see any signs of mold in your home, don’t ignore them! Mold can cause sneezing, red eyes, and even asthma attacks.

Solution

You can use air filters and dehumidifiers to reduce the number of mold spores in your home. It’s also a good idea to keep windows and doors open as much as possible when there is high humidity or rain. This will help remove excess moisture that can lead to mold growth.

Dust

Dust is a mixture of tiny particles that you can find on floors, furniture, and other surfaces. Dust will inevitably accumulate in your home. And these dust particles can make breathing difficult.

Dust may contain small amounts of mold and other allergens that can cause you to sneeze or develop a stuffy nose when it gets in your lungs.

Solution

If you have asthma or allergies, consider investing in an air filter that helps remove dust and pollen from your home’s air. Vacuuming regularly will also help keep dust levels low.

You should also clean your air conditioner’s vents to keep dust from building up and being blown throughout your home.

You can also install an air purifier. These devices help remove airborne particles, such as dust and pollen, from the air. Air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters produce the best indoor air quality.

Household Cleaning Supplies

Many household cleaning supplies can produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home. Some VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. They also cause difficulty breathing and nausea.

Solution

Many air filters can trap VOCs, preventing them from spreading as you clean. Some air-filtering machines also use chemical reactions to destroy volatile organic compounds.

Many natural cleaning products are available today, and they don’t have the harmful chemicals found in ordinary household cleaners. Use organic cleaners instead of the more common chemical-based products.

If possible, open windows and doors to let in fresh air while you clean. This will help reduce the amount of air pollution in your home. If you can’t open the windows, use a fan to circulate the air.

Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including a known cancer-causing agent called formaldehyde. If you smoke indoors, the air inside your home can become polluted with these chemicals.

Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely than other kids their age to get ear infections, pneumonia, or asthma attacks. And adults exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk for heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases.

Solution

When you smoke indoors, open a window or use a fan to circulate the air. If you must smoke, ask someone else to take your children outside for a few minutes so they don’t inhale secondhand smoke.

If you have someone in your family who suffers from asthma, a HEPA filter can reduce the number of smoke particles found in your home.

Pesticides

Pesticides kill insects, weeds, and other pests that threaten crops or home gardens. The problem with pesticides is that they lead to respiratory problems and asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to them. They also irritate the eyes, throat, nose, and lungs.

If you have someone in your family who suffers from asthma or allergies, it’s essential to avoid using pesticides around your home.

Solution

There aren’t any chemical pesticides that are completely safe. So you’ll have to stop using typical pesticides and trade them for organic ones like neem oil.

Humidity

Humidity, the amount of water vapor in the air, is essential for keeping your skin and respiratory system healthy.

If you live in a low-humidity environment, your mucous membranes may dry up. When the mucus lining dries, your body has trouble expelling germs that cause illnesses.

On the other hand, high humidity levels can cause condensation throughout the home. This creates a perfect environment for mold growth.

Solution

You can add a humidifier to restore water vapor in the air. Running a hot shower will also add moisture to the environment. In contrast, you can use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Start Breathing Clean Air

If you have allergies, asthma, or another respiratory condition, consider investing in an air filter. Air filters can reduce dust mites, pollen, and mold spores—all of which are common allergens.

Plus, installation is easy. All you have to do is add them to your existing air vents. Start breathing clean air by purchasing an air filter from FilterTime today!