Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Hazards May Be Lurking in Your Home

United States Environmental Protection Agency studies have shown that indoor air pollution may pose even greater health risks than outdoor air pollution. This is because indoor concentrations of some pollutants may be many times higher than their levels outdoors and people spend most of their time (up to about 90%) indoors.

Below are some Indoor Air Hazard ‘hot spots’ and remedies to common hazards…

In the Kitchen…

The kitchen is typically the most popular spot in any family’s home. It’s where we cook, clean, wash, work, and eat. It’s also the home’s largest trouble spot for indoor pollutants!

Moisture from Cooking & Dishwasher Use- Encourages biological pollutants such as mold, mildew, dust mites and even (eeww) cockroaches. Remedy: Use your exhaust fan regularly (not just when you burn something!), open windows for ventilation. Fix all plumbing leaks promptly!

Household Cleaners- Unhealthy or irritating vapors may be released from chemicals in all those products stored under your kitchen sink. Remedy: Select non-aerosol and non-toxic products. Use up the product completely, and dispose of it before buying a new one!

Gas Stoves and Ovens– Release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates. Remedy: Keep appliance burners clean! Periodically have burners properly adjusted-blue flame tip, not yellow!

Pressed wood cabinets and furniture– contain formaldehyde. Remedy: Maintain moderate temperatures (max 80) and humidity (about 45%). A coating of polyurethane or laminate will reduce emissions. When choosing new cabinets, select solid wood or metal.

In the Living Room…

Too much TV time may be affecting more than just your waistline!

Old Carpets– Are a major source of dust, mold, pet dander and other allergens. Remedy: Vacuum regularly, using a good vacuum with a 3 stage HEPA filter. Clean and dry or remove water-damaged carpets promptly to avoid growth of biological pollutants.

New Carpets and Draperies– Are factory treated with a formaldehyde-based finish and emit vapors and organic gases. Remedy: Air new carpeting out prior to installation and use low-emitting adhesives and provide plenty of ventilation.

Fireplaces– Release carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants, as well as smoke that can cause asthma attacks. Remedy: Use dried or cured wood instead of pressure-treated wood (fewer fumes are given off). Have flue and chimney inspected annually for exhaust back drafting, obstructions or cracks, excess creosote and other damage. Install carbon monoxide detectors.

Man’s Best Friend– As much as we love having Spot curled up at our feet, he is a major polluter of the air our family breathes! Allergens such as skin, hair and dander linger not only in the air, but in fabric, cushions and draperies. Remedy: Thoroughly deep clean and strong vacuum all areas where pets are permitted weekly.

Candles and Incense– Can release lead and volatile organic compounds, including particulate matter. Remedy: Open windows to air out rooms, and try natural air fresheners, such as fresh flowers, citrus fruits, or clean burning soy candles.

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems– , combustion pollutants and biological allergens. Remedy: Have your HVAC systems and water heater inspected and serviced every year.

In the Bathroom and Laundry…

Many of the same problems exist here as do in the kitchen!

Moisture from Bathing, Clothes Washing, etc. encourages mold and mildew. Remedy: Again, install and use an exhaust fan, open windows for ventilation. Fix all plumbing leaks promptly, and repair or replace water damaged floors and cabinets.

Personal Care Products and Air Fresheners– Release organic gases from chemicals that are easily inhaled. Remedy: Select non-aerosol varieties, and no/low odor-producing products. Open windows or use exhaust fans.

Facts About Indoor Air Pollution

- Common household dust is more dangerous than outside dust.

- Exposure to dust mites, animal dander, and mold have been estimated to cause 200,000 emergency room visits per year. Damp or humid conditions lead to greater numbers of household dust mites.
Nine out of 10 cooling and heating system failures are caused by dirt and dust.

- “…Coughs, sinus problems, fatigue and headaches are the early symptoms. Asthma reduced lung capacity acute allergies and even cancer can follow. The problems are caused by indoor air pollution…” Atlanta Constitution

- “Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other biological contaminants through the home.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

- “50% of all illnesses are either aggravated or caused by polluted indoor air. American College of Allergists

Healthy Indoor Air Tips from HVAC Experts

Have Your Systems Inspected, Serviced and Maintained Regularly
If not properly operated and maintained, your furnace, A/C and humidifier can become a major source of carbon monoxide, combustion pollutants and biological allergens.

Control Temperature and Humidity
People who suffer from allergies or asthma need to monitor the temperature and humidity in the home. Keeping your home cool and dry will reduce mold, dust mites and other air-borne allergens. Use a humidifier to maintain an ideal indoor humidity level of 35%-45%.

Increase Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential to indoor air quality. If your home is stuffy, you may consider additional exhaust fans, or a whole house ventilation system, which will pull in fresh air from the outside.

Inspect the Air Ducts in your Home
Heating , ventilation and air conditioning systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and the home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.

Improve Filtration
To improve the filtration of your heating/cooling system, you might consider installing an extended-surface air filter. This accordion-like filter is 2-6 inches thick, with a special shape and design that will capture substantially more airborne allergens than other filter types.

Consider an Air Cleaner to Eliminate Airborne Particles
After taking the above steps to remove sources of indoor air pollution, you may consider purchasing an air cleaner to eliminate any airborne particles that remain. Air cleaners range in size, type and efficiency, allowing affordable options to meet any budget.