Home and buildings are built to provide shelter and protection to the occupants. But sometimes, these structures fail to serve their purpose due to a variety of reasons or factors. These include the presence of allergens, indoor air pollutants, pests, and pathogens that affect the health of the occupants.
So, whether you are staying at home with your family or you are working in an office building, you need to know the impact indoor air quality has on your life. You should also learn how you can improve indoor air quality in your place so that you can protect your family or colleagues.
What affects the quality of air inside a house or building?
Indoor air pollutants release gases or small particles into the air. These particles are sometimes microscopic and can cause indoor air quality problems, such as pollution and health concerns. The level of pollutants in a building increases when there is poor or inadequate ventilation. There is not enough fresh outdoor air, which helps neutralize emissions inside the building. Proper ventilation allows fresh air to come in and carry the indoor air pollutants out of the property.
Indoor air problems are common in many homes in the United States and other countries. Among the most common indoor air pollutants include:
- VOCs or volatile organic compounds
- Radon
- Excess moisture
- Pesticides
- Combustion products
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Dust particles
How can you protect your building and the occupants against these pollutants?
When ignored, these pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, as well as dampness, stale air, and foul odor. They can also make the house or building less comfortable. The best way to prevent all of these is to act immediately and get all the help you need.
Test for Radon
Radon testing is necessary to determine if there are alarming levels of radon in the building. Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States. Ask some professionals to do the testing for you; they can also recommend the best course of action to prevent the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to radon.
Maintain Normal Humidity Levels
It’s important that moisture is present in the air inside the house or building. Problems occur when humidity levels are too low or too high. If the level is too low, it’s best to get a home humidifier so that you can improve your indoor environment. Excess moisture in the air can cause health problems such as asthma and allergies, as wells as weakens the structure. To stay comfortable, maintain the right humidity level inside your property.
Keep your home or building smoke-free
We all know that smoking is dangerous to our health. If you want to keep yourself and your family safe, quit smoking or don’t even try to smoke cigarettes. Even secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
Indoor air quality affects your health and quality of life. Make sure it’s always monitored and maintained. You and your family can benefit from inhaling clean and fresh air every day.