Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Hidden Indoor Air Contaminants Bothering You? Just Breathe With This Information

16 December 2022

Renee Ramirez

It is estimated that Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. The number of time people spending time indoors greatly increased when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and shuttered businesses, sending people home to avoid spreading the illness. While sitting at home, people discovered that they liked baking at home rather than going to a restaurant. They also learned how to grow their own herbs while improving family interactions.

Although spending time at home helps save money and brings families closer together, it also exposes you to potential air contaminants floating around your home. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. In fact, learning about air contaminants, how bothersome they can be, and what you can do about them can help you improve the indoor air quality of your home.

Unseen Indoor Air Pollutants

Unseen indoor air pollutants that you may be exposed to every single day include:

Pet dander: If you are a pet owner, you are likely exposed to pet dander daily. Small particles of pet dander float through the air. Once they land, they become trapped in your rugs, carpet, the fibers of your furniture, and even your air ducts. When you walk around your home or run your HVAC system, it kicks up that pet dander and sends it back into the air, which means you breathe it in.

Wood smoke: If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home, keep in mind that wood smoke can lower air quality. Fine particles in the wood smoke can enter your lungs and cause respiratory issues, especially if you or someone in your home is prone to asthma.

Tobacco smoke: If you are a cigarette smoker and you smoke inside, it is likely that the air quality inside your home is not the best. Tobacco smoke tends to linger in the walls, which is why you may notice a discoloration of the walls after you have smoked inside for a while.

Pollen: You may think you only have to worry about pollen when you go outside, but pollen is small enough that it can find its way inside your home through an open window or door.

What Can You Do?

Just because your home may be filled with unseen contaminants that are lowering your air quality does not mean you have to put up with it. Contact a professional to help you. An expert can perform an indoor air quality test to determine the best solution for your home.

There are several steps the technician might take, such as cleaning your vents, changing out your HVAC filters, and recommending an air purifier. Hiring an indoor air quality specialist is especially important if you or anyone you know in your home suffers from respiratory issues. Contact an indoor air quality professional today for more information.

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