There are many indoor air pollutants, but a few stand out for posing the most danger. Keeping up with your ventilation is especially important because these pollutants can get trapped indoors or in your home. We discuss the most common indoor air pollutants to help you learn about potential dangers to your household.
Types of Indoor Air Pollutants
Pesticides
Pesticides are great at killing off and controlling pests, including bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, in addition to bugs and rodents. The only thing is, pesticides are rather toxic. All pesticides, liquids, sticks, powders, crystals, and foggers can poison those in one household. Children experience the most pesticide poisoning and exposure in households that use these chemicals.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that comes from the combustion of fuels. This gas is so dangerous because it reduces the levels of oxygen in the body, leaving one to feel nauseous, dizzy, and may experience headaches and a fast heart rate. To prevent such accidents, you always want to ensure your home is well ventilated and install electrical appliances correctly.
Lead
Lead has been recognized as a harmful pollutant to homes and the environment overall. Children tend to suffer from lead exposure more than adults because their bodies can absorb more lead. Old lead-based paint is the leading source of lead exposure in homes across the United States. Lead exposure can be created when the paint is improperly removed from surfaces, creating airborne lead particles.
Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide tends to be more present in homes that have gas stoves, kerosene heaters, or unvented gas space heaters. To keep levels of nitrogen dioxide low, you want to keep gas appliances adequately adjusted, consider purchasing a vented space heater, and use an exhaust fan that vents outdoors over gas stoves.
Volatile Organic Compounds
One common indoor air pollutant is Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases that come from either liquids or solids. VOCs are emitted from several products, including paints, aerosol sprays, and disinfectants. Their concentration is higher indoors than outdoors. Exposure to VOCs can lead to nausea, eye and nose irritation, headaches, and possible kidney and liver damage. Increased ventilation is vital to prevent VOC exposure.
Manage Your Home’s Air Quality with a Professional
In order to keep your home free of indoor air pollution, you’ll need the expertise of a professional. Contact the team at Ugly Dog Heating & Cooling today to learn more about how maintenance and repairs can help you.