Air Is something that we often take for granted. Without even thinking about it, we inhale and exhale thousands of times every day. But what is in that air? It may come as a shock to many, but the air inside the average American home usually contains many more airborne pollutants than the air outside.
Common Air Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide
“Silent killer” is a name commonly given to carbon monoxide. This poisonous gas can come from various sources such as leaking gas lines, furnaces, vehicles, and tobacco smoke. It’s no secret that large quantities of carbon dioxide can have lethal consequences, but even in small doses, it can make a person very ill.
Mold Spores
Mold appears in moisture-prone areas of a home that lack proper ventilation. Bathrooms and cabinets below kitchen sinks are often hotspots for the pesky fungus. Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can significantly lower indoor air quality.
Radon
This colorless, odorless radioactive gas comes from the soil. Without the aid of radon detectors, it is impossible to detect, making it extremely dangerous. Prolonged radon exposure can contribute to serious respiratory issues such as emphysema and lung cancer.
Wood Smoke
Smoke is a mixture of gases and microscopic particles that are released when wood is burned. Older wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves are notorious for putting large quantities of smoke and soot into the air. If left unregulated, woodsmoke is another air pollutant that can have devastating health effects.
How you can Reduce Airborne Pollutants
While there is no substitute for professional air purification, there are many small steps you can take to create a much safer environment for your family.
Install Hepa Filters
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to eliminate airborne pollutants from your home is to switch to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Unlike traditional cotton or polyester air filters, HEPA filters are made of activated carbon thin fibers of glass, allowing them to capture many more airborne pollutants. According to the EPA, these filters “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns”.
HEPA filters are designed to fit most standard ventilation systems, so installing one is a breeze.
Air Cleansing Plants
Believe it or not, plants can play a major role in keeping your air clean. Air purifying plants thrive in the same germs and toxins that can make us humans very sick.
Plants like devil’s Ivy, peace lilies, and spider plants have been proven to reduce airborne carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene levels.
Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
While effective at sanitizing surfaces and killing bacteria, traditional household cleaning products can release many unwanted toxins, such as ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, into the air in your home.
Nowadays, there are a plethora of natural, eco-friendly cleaning products that can do the job just as well as (if not better) than their harsh chemical counterparts, without putting your health at risk.
Test the Quality of Your Air
If you are looking to ensure that your home’s air is as clean as it can be, the best thing you can do is know what’s in it. An indoor air quality test can help you pinpoint the exact pollutants that you are breathing every day. At Air Quality Inc., we are devoted to keeping Richmond and Virginia Beach families healthy by creating a pollutant-free environment. If you are worried about what might be in your air, please don’t hesitate to schedule an indoor air quality test today.
