Poor air quality can cause serious health issues. It can increase your risk for cancer, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to polluted air can be fatal. So, be sure to install a 18x30x1 air filter in your home. Here is all you need to know about air pollution and its health effects.
The Basics
Don’t assume that indoor air is a hundred-percent safe. Research suggests that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution can trigger hazardous health problems. The longer you get exposed to contaminated air, the higher your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Indoor air pollution is commonly caused by harmful gases and particles. Building materials, tobacco smoke, wood-burning stoves, and tobacco smoke are some of the most popular air pollutants. Modern homes don’t allow enough outdoor air to get inside. As such, it’s imperative to install adequate ventilation.
Indoor Air Hazards
There are many sources of indoor air pollution. Aside from pollen, dust mites, and allergens, there are indoor air hazards. These include:
Ozone
Avoid using ozone generators as air cleaners. They don’t serve the same purpose. When you breathe in too much ozone, it can severely harm your lungs. And this could trigger symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and chest pain. It can also worsen asthma. Research disapproves claims that ozone generators remove dust and pollen from the air.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Fuel-burning stoves are the heaviest producers of carbon monoxide in most homes. This is an odorless gas that blocks the flow of oxygen in your body. If you breathe in excess amounts of this gas, you might develop serious health complications. For instance, you may experience confusion, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, as well as, headache. In extreme cases, carbon monoxide inhalation can cause death.
Nitrogen Dioxide
When kerosene or natural gas is burnt, it releases nitrogen dioxide. This harmful gas irritates the body’s mucous membranes, hence causing breathing difficulties. Exposure to this gas can severely harm your lungs. Plus, it can worsen the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory infections.
Radon
This is a radioactive gas. It often exists in the soil or rocks. If there are any cracks within your home’s structure, radon can quickly enter in. Long-term exposure to this substance can lead to cancer. Smokers exposed to radon might have a heightened risk for lung cancer.
Key Takeaway
Stale air is the most common sign of indoor air pollution. Other symptoms include molds, excess humidity, abnormal odors, and lack of air movement. If you experience any of these problems, be sure to inspect your air conditioning system- it could have malfunctioned. You may also want to consider changing the air filters and installing more ventilation.
The Bottom-Line
There are many sources of indoor air pollution. From, pollen to dust mites, carbon monoxide, radon, and nitrogen oxide, there’s quite a lot to watch out for. Above is a comprehensive guide to indoor air quality and its dangers. (Ambien) It’ll help you understand various sources of pollutants and how to prevent them from getting inside your home.
