We often think of air pollution as being outdoors, but pollutants can also contaminate indoor air. The quality of the air you breathe indoors can be affected by a wide variety of things, including the food you cook, the building materials used to construct your home and the chemicals with which you clean. How well you ventilate your residence can also affect the quality of indoor air. Here are some common indoor air pollutants and what you can do about them in order to maintain a safe and comfortable home.
Excess Moisture
Moisture is a common yet generally unrecognized source of indoor air pollutants that can affect your health. Issues tend to arise when moist air comes into contact with cool surfaces such as walls, windows or mirrors. Moisture condenses to form droplets on these surfaces. A buildup of humidity indoors encourages mildew and mold that can destroy wood products, accelerate rusting of metal components and trigger allergies or asthma. Also, moisture facilitates the off-gassing of toxins in cleaning supplies and furniture. You can prevent the escalation of these indoor air pollutant by increasing ventilation in your home, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
Combustible Products
Combustion happens when fuel sources like coal, wood and gas burn. The process uses oxygen and creates an array of combustion byproducts that can contaminate indoor air quality. Some everyday contaminants produced in this way and often found indoors include carbon monoxide, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. You can prevent indoor air contamination from combustible products by ensuring proper ventilation of fireplaces, furnaces and kitchen stoves.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is used in different construction materials because of its heat resistance and strength. It was far more common before its dangers became widely known, but it still exists various products. Asbestos exposure indoors can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. Fortunately, there’s now a ban on most of the uses that were once routine. However, if you’re remodeling an older home, you should proceed with caution.
If you have any questions regarding the indoor air quality of your home in Edmond, bring them to the experts at [company_name]. We’ll be happy to provide you with more information, test your air and help you maintain a clean indoor atmosphere. You can also count on us for heating and cooling installation, repair and maintenance as well as all your plumbing needs. Besides that, we deal with ductwork, geothermal equipment, mini-splits and Wi-Fi thermostats. Regardless of your home comfort requirements, call us today.
