Common Air Pollutants In Your Home That’s Causing You Harm

It’s natural for many of us to assume that we are safe from pollution inside the house, but did you know that inside air can have 2-5 times more pollutants than outside air? The pollutants circulating in your indoor air can, in fact, be one of the major reasons for many health conditions you and your family may be facing. This is why many health experts recommend regular HVAC cleaning as a standard practice in homes to keep indoor air quality safe and hygienic. Here are some common air pollutants in your house that are causing  harm in ways you might not have known. 

Live Sources

While often overlooked, live sources like mould, insects, and pests can carry a lot of air pollutants inside your house. Extended exposure to these indoor air pollutants carried by these organisms can cause several respiratory and heart diseases, and in worse cases, they can even cause cancer. They can also cause infections in people with sensitive skin. Home sanitization and disinfection services are the best recommendations to get rid of these pollutants.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Another common indoor air pollutant present in many households is released from fuel-burning stoves, heaters and other appliances. They release a pollutant called carbon monoxide, which is known to block the movement of oxygen in the body. Depending on how much CO is released and inhaled, it can have many health effects. Some of them include coordination difficulties, tiredness, headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness and in severe cases, it can cause heart conditions as well. Pregnant women, older adults, and babies are more sensitive to this air pollutant. 

Nitrogen Dioxide

Released from natural gas and kerosene combustion, nitrogen dioxide is an indoor air pollutant that irritates the eyes, nose, throat, and causes shortness of breath when inhaled in high concentrations. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic bronchitis and may also worsen symptoms in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  

Sulfur Dioxide

This is an air pollutant released from burning kerosene in a space heater. Excessive or prolonged exposure to this can cause eye irritation and upper respiratory tract issues.  

Radon 

As an air pollutant that seeps from the soil and rocks under your house, radon can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, walls, drains and other openings. Exposure to these air pollutants in the home is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Smokers who are exposed to these pollutants have a much higher risk of death due to lung cancer. 

Secondhand Smoke

The smoke has trace amounts of about 4,000 chemicals. This includes around 200 known poisons such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide and 43 carcinogens. While many of us don’t consider smoking to cause indoor air pollution, it is one of the most dangerous pollutants in your house as it can lead to secondhand smoking. 

Other Indoor Pollutants

There are many other types of house items that can also contribute to adding harmful air pollutants to your house. Some of these include, 

• Particulates that come from dust and pollen. 
• Formaldehyde; a common preservative and adhesive found in furniture, carpets, drapes, particleboard, and plywood panelling. 
• Household products like pesticides, household cleaners, solvents, and chemicals.
• Remodelling hazards that come from new carpeting and paint. 
• Asbestos coming from insulation, floor tiles, spackling compounds, cement, and heating equipment. 

These air pollutants cause several uneasiness and discomforts, which includes coughing, rashes, headaches, dizziness, irritation, nausea and even allergic reactions. 

One of the best ways to get rid of these air pollutants and to keep your house safe with good quality air is to consider regular HVAC and AC services. While the primary function of air conditioners is to produce fresh air and control heat, they are also designed to remove different air pollutants through their filters.