Indoor air pollution can cause serious health problems and is often something we overlook in our lifestyle. In this article, we will explore some of the more common causes of indoor air pollution and ways to remedy them.
Almost every home has some sources that lead to indoor air pollution, and one of the best ways to maintain clean air inside your home is with a proper cleaning routine that includes furnace and duct cleaning.
This important cleaning step, combined with practical management of some of the hazards outlined below, can help make your home healthy and safe for all the occupants.
The Effects of Dampness and Mold on Indoor Air Pollution.
Dampness and mold can promote the release of mold spores into the air. These can lead to long-term health conditions, some of which could develop into chronic conditions. One common household mold is called aspergillus, which grows on dusty and powdery food items like flour. It can cause a wide variety of conditions, from mild irritation to serious chronic diseases like asthma.
If you think you have mold or moisture problems, get an expert to deal with it. If you feel your home is damp but not moldy, it is a good idea to run your bathroom fans, especially during or after shower and bath time, and to open your windows to let your home breathe and dry out if the humidity level is lower outside.
If you live in a rental property, there are rules and regulations to keep tenants safe. Consult your family doctor and local tenant board if you think you have medical concerns from your rented property.
Heating and Cooking in the Home
In Canada, we don’t cool or heat our homes with wood or coal, so we’ll skip to gas. Burning gas can create tiny particles of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air. If you use a gas burning stove, it is advisable to ensure that you are using the exhaust fan and have a well-ventilated home. When the proper precautions are taken, these stoves do not have any practical air pollution concerns.
Another precaution is to ensure that gas connections for your gas cooking appliances are properly installed and inspected.
Electric heat through traditional burners or induction is often considered the cleanest source of heat. One thing to be aware of is burned off particulate matter from burning oils. These and other burned particulates can be a source of indoor air pollution.
Candles and Incense
These common household items seem very innocent, but in reality, they release harmful particles and pollutants as they burn. Burning incense has been linked to lung disease, so try and avoid these if possible. Burning candles result in significantly lower risk, but some fragranced candles can release harmful VOCs while they are burning. It is always good to have a well-ventilated home or an open window while burning candles.
Regular Household Dust
Regular dust circulating around the home also contributes to airborne pollution. The good news about dust is it’s easy to deal with. Regular cleaning can help reduce the amount of dust in your home by over half, and combined with regular furnace and duct cleaning, you can reduce it by an additional 30%!
How to Minimize Exposure:
The best way to minimize exposure to indoor air pollutants is to have a regular cleaning routine, and avoid the obvious hazards. Not allowing secondhand smoke, reducing the amount of burning incense, reducing perfume and aerial sprays, will all help reduce the amount of airborne contaminants significantly.
A regular cleaning routine of dusting and vacuuming, combined with a regular furnace and duct cleaning, is the best way to keep everyone in your home healthy. Curious about the effects of a good clean? We are offering free air tests with every furnace and duct cleaning booking for a limited time, so you can see just how many contaminants are no longer a threat to you and your family.