Common Habits that are contributing to the Indoor Air Pollution
Did you realize that air pollution levels indoors are higher than those outside? Here is a significantly more terrifying truth: There are some buildings where the quality of the air inside can be two to five times worse than outside. Sadly, many people are unaware that some of their daily routines and household products contribute to air pollution inside their homes. And it’s hard to fix the problem unless you know what you’re doing that makes your indoor air quality worse.
1. Burning Petroleum-Based Candles
Candles may give the impression that they are improving indoor air quality, but this is generally not the case. Even if they undeniably improve the smell of the air in your home, most of them do so by producing unwholesome synthetic perfumes that degrade the air quality. Additionally, petroleum byproducts are used in the production of paraffin-based candles, which are the most common type. When they burn, they release harmful micro particles into the air that, in susceptible individuals, can result in lung irritation and other respiratory problems.
How should you deal with this problem? Get rid of anything that uses paraffin. On the off chance that you’re not prepared to surrender candles completely, search for soy or beeswax ones that don’t represent a danger to your lungs. As well as changing around the sort of candles you consume, you may likewise need to consider executing an air-cleaning framework after indoor air quality testing to sift through airborne particulate matter inside your home.
2. Tidying Inadequately
On the off chance that you’re tidying with incapable instruments, you’re not cleaning. In essence, all you are doing is moving dust around. It may even be released into the air by shaking it, which would be far worse. If you do this, it’s simple to make improvements to your indoor air quality.
3. Too Long Between Filter Changes
Your HVAC filter may not come to mind often, but that does not mean it should not be changed frequently. You should swap out your filters at least once every 90 days, though you might need to do it more regularly depending on your home.
4. Disregarding Conduit Cleaning
On the off chance that you’ve never had proficient conduit cleaning and you have a focal air conditioning framework, the air inside your house is very likely more contaminated than it ought to be. If you smoke indoors or have multiple pets, you should schedule appointments more frequently for interior air characteristics assessment and have this service to be performed. Ideally, you should have it done every three to five years.
5. Using Products That Contain VOCs
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are found in thousands of products that are used every day. Unfortunately, a lot of individuals are unaware of the possible risks associated with these treatments. It is crucial to keep in mind that the aforementioned list is by no means comprehensive. Even though these products are widely used and readily available, they are a significant contributor to harmful indoor air pollution.
One of the finest things you can do to improve the quality of the air in your home is to avoid products that contain chemicals. It is recommended that you do research on the products you are purchasing and look for manufacturers who adhere to regulations. This gives you the option of selecting products with certifications for low VOC ratings.
Utilizing Deodorizers to Aerate
Financially accessible deodorizers are, sadly, awful for your indoor air quality. These products may make your home smell clean and fresh, but they do nothing to eliminate odors from the air inside. Rather, they emanate counterfeit scents and unpredictable natural mixtures that veil smells, not dispose of them.
Even if a product claims to neutralize airborne odor molecules or to absorb odors or bind with them, chances are that it doesn’t work as advertised. Worse yet, all of these products, except pure essential oils that have been diffused, contain chemicals that should not be inhaled. A whole-house or portable air purification system is a better option if you want to get rid of odors from inside your home. These gadgets channel 99.7% of even the littlest particles from your indoor air, and a few high-level units have one-of-a-kind innovations that truly kill scent particles. Professional inside oxygen quality checking and cleaning of your ductwork can also help get rid of unpleasant odors caused by buildup in your air ducts.
Not Eliminating Asbestos
For quite a long time, asbestos was utilized in building development, meaning many homes might in any case have particulates. While asbestos can be safe when properly contained. However, if the particles are let loose, they may enter the air and pose health risks, and each individual’s level of exposure will be different. Calling a professional for an asbestos inspection to determine where the material is located and provide you with removal options is the most effective preventative measure.
Not Bathing Your Pets
Although pets can be wonderful companions, maintaining them regularly is essential if you have allergies. What’s more, with an expected 10 to 15% of people having sensitivity to pet dander, this can be an issue because the dander can turn out to be effectively airborne and collect on deck and furniture. Giving a different dozing spot to them, giving them ordinary showers, and keeping steady over keeping up with their space will diminish the number of allergens in the air and keep your home cleaner simultaneously.
Leaving your Humidity Levels too High
Your home’s quality will be directly impacted by your humidity levels, which are just as important as the temperature inside. In addition to making you feel uncomfortable and making your home feel stuffy, high humidity levels can lead to several issues. It can become a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow, which can make allergies worse and make the air smell bad. When cooking or bathing, use exhaust fans and ventilation, take cooler showers and invest in a dehumidifier to start lowering levels.
