Clean Indoor Air Benefits Everyone

 

It is estimated that American’s spend 90% of their time indoors, so indoor air quality is critical to our overall health. National studies have shown that the air pollution in our homes can be more of a health concern than the pollution outdoors. These pollutants can be chemicals, gases and living organisms like mold and pests.

 

Breathing indoor air pollutants may affect the health of the people who live in the home. Some pollutants are especially harmful for children, elderly people, and those with health problems. Air pollutants can cause health problems such as sore eyes, burning in the nose and throat, headache, and fatigue. They can also cause or worsen allergies, trigger asthma attacks, contribute to heart disease and increase the risk of certain cancers. Some pollutants at high concentrations, such as carbon monoxide, can cause death.

 

 

 

Understanding what causes indoor air pollution and taking action to control some of the common pollutants may help to improve your indoor air quality and reduce your risk of health concerns.

Some common sources of indoor air pollution include radon, secondhand smoke, combustion pollutants (space heaters, woodstoves, water heaters, dryers, etc.), Volatile Organic Compounds (paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, air fresheners, etc.), and molds.

 

 

 

There are several ways you can improve your indoor air quality at little to no cost.

 

• The easiest thing to do is eliminate individual sources or reduce their emissions by ventilating. Increasing the amount of fresh air brought indoors from open windows and doors helps to reduce the pollutants indoors.
• Make sure to change the filters in your central heaters and air conditioners so the filters can correctly trap dust and other pollutants in the air.
• Test your home for radon and fix it if there is a problem. SWNPHD has free radon test kits available to the communities in our health department.
• Keep the humidity between 30 and 50 percent in your home. Keep all areas clean and dry. Clean up any mold and get rid of excess water or moisture.
• Do not let anyone smoke in your home.