There are more contaminants in the air than you might imagine. Air pollution is everywhere and could cause significant damage to your health. Although you can’t do much about air contamination in public places, you can take steps to limit contamination in your home. Find out more about what indoor air quality testing could reveal and what it means for your health. You’ll understand why you should ask yourself, “Who does air quality testing near me?”
The Most Common Contaminants in the Air
When people think of air pollution, they often imagine the exhaust from cars and factors spewing into the air. But there’s more to air pollution than that, as there are multiple sources of chemicals that make the air dangerous.
Example of Air Pollutants
You could find all of the following contaminants in the air:
- Carbon monoxide
- Bacteria
- Asbestos
- Formaldehyde
- Chemicals
- Mold
- Lead
The list isn’t limited to the contaminants above. For instance, new carpets release chemicals that can aggravate asthma or cause nausea and other symptoms. Household paints also release chemicals that put your health at risk.
It’s almost impossible to eliminate all contaminants from your air. However, some contaminants are more harmful than others. By performing indoor air quality testing, you can learn more about what’s in your air and which contaminants are doing the most damage.
Where Do the Contaminants Come from?
There are many sources of air contaminants. If you’ve done any renovation work on your home, the paint, carpet, or other building materials could release chemicals into the air.
Another potential source of contamination is mold. Although you might not see any mold growing in your home, it could be there. It favors moist environments and may be hiding in your basement or walls.
Cleaning chemicals also pose a hazard to your air quality. Depending on the types of cleaners you use, they can spread chemicals throughout your home.
Smoking also poses a threat to your home. If you or someone else is a smoker, your air will be contaminated with gases and other hazardous particles.
What are the Issues Associated with Air Pollution?
There’s a long list of problems associated with poor air quality. And you’re not the only one who could be affected by the air in your home; your family and friends may also be impacted.
The effects range from minor to severe. Some people manifest symptoms in the form of a cold. Although you could attribute your coughing and sneeze to allergies, the real culprit may be your air quality.
Other individuals experience headaches, respiratory issues, and skin rashes. For some, contamination causes fatigue or poor memory. Dizziness and eye irritation are other potential symptoms of contaminated air. Because there are so many minor symptoms that can be confused with health conditions, many individuals don’t realize that their air is contaminated until they do indoor air quality testing.
More Serious Complications
There are also long-term effects of exposure to certain contaminants. If you live with air pollution for an extended period, your risk of cancer rises. The type of cancer and risk level depends on the types of contaminants in your air.
Specific demographics are also more at risk for developing long-term complications from exposure to pollution. For instance, children and the elderly have a greater risk of long-term effects. The same is true for those who have asthma, allergies, heart disease, and lung disease.
In rare cases, exposure to contaminants can be fatal. Carbon monoxide and radon both have the potential to be fatal, if enough of it is present in your air. Likewise, an infection caused by a contaminant could result in death.
How Can You Improve the Air Quality in Your Home?
You don’t need to suffer from the harmful effects of air contamination. Instead of watching your health decline, take action and breathe easily. Follow these tips for improving the air quality in your residence.
Improve Ventilation
One way to improve your air quality is to give your home better ventilation. If your house is sealed too tightly, contaminants will remain in the air. They’ll have nowhere else to go.
Proper ventilation involves having a strong venting system, using exhaust fans, and opening your windows and doors when possible. This will keep the air circulating and limit your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Reduce Humidity
A common cause of contamination is mold. Because mold thrives in moist environments, an easy way to prevent mold is to remove as much moisture from your home as possible.
To reduce humidity, use a dehumidifier in the moist areas of your home. Whenever you cook or shower, run your exhaust fans. You should also repair any leaks in your plumbing or cracks in your foundation as soon as possible.
Replace Your AC Filter
Your HVAC system should be an asset and not a danger. But failing to regularly change your air filter puts your air quality at risk. Every few months, be sure to replace or clean your HVAC filter.
In addition to preventing contaminants from circulating through your home, this will also save you money. It keeps your system working well and reduces the chance of you needing future repairs.
Use an Air Purifier
For an effective way of cleaning your air, you should purchase an air purifier. The right purifier will remove toxins from your air and circulate fresh air into your home.
Perform Indoor Air Quality Testing
Before you do anything, you should have your air tested. You can’t fix the problem unless you know what contaminants are in your air.
When you hire a reputable air quality testing company in Tampa, you don’t need to wonder what you’re breathing. You’ll learn more about the contaminants in the air and will find out more about what you can do to improve your indoor air quality.
Whether you suspect that you have poor air quality or you’re just wondering what’s in your air, you could benefit from indoor air quality testing. By testing for air quality, you can improve your health and improve your home. To learn more, contact us at Comfort All-Stars.
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