Air Quality in the Home
The weather is cooling down and this means more time spent inside our homes. This is especially true for those of us who work from home. But what many don’t consider as the days get shorter and we spend more time indoors than out is the air quality inside your home. Air quality is something we might think about when we sit in traffic or spend time in the city, but the fact is, we’re exposed to more air pollution indoors than out.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to household air pollution causes 3.8 million deaths every year and poor indoor air quality leads to a number of health problems, including asthma, lung cancer and many more. So, what do we need to know and what can we do to improve our homes’ air quality?
Indoor Pollutants and Causes of Poor Air Quality
One of the main contributors to poor air quality in the home is the vast array of chemicals in a variety of common household products. Everything from cleaning products and paints, to cosmetics and your dry cleaning release harmful organic compounds into the air as you use them, and some even while they’re simply being stored in your home. The EPA has found levels of a dozen common pollutants to be 2-5 times higher indoors than out. That holds true whether you live in a highly populated urban area or somewhere remote and rural.
Your Kitchen and Bathrooms are Contributors
Many are surprised to learn that cooking negatively impacts air quality—frying and roasting especially. You’re exposed to more hazardous particles in the air in your home while roasting your Thanksgiving turkey than you would be on the streets of Dehli (the city with the worst air quality in the world, according to the WHO).
The moisture released while cooking, as well as moisture in your bathrooms from steamy showers and the like, can cause off-gassing, furthering the release of dangerous chemicals into the air. That moisture also fosters the growth of mold and mildew, the spores and fragments of which add to the air pollution.
Your Vacuum May Not Be Helping
The pandemic has many of us trying to make our homes as healthy and sterile as possible. But before you bust out the Shark or Dyson, you may want to take a second look at your vacuum. Viruses can spread through the air on dust and other microscopic particles and, though your vacuum most likely has a filter, it may not trap those tiny particles. Even if your vacuum has a HEPA filter (which removes more than 99% of airborne particles), if the vacuum has a faulty seal or filter it’s blowing all that dust, pollen and bacteria back into your home.
Your best bet is to either opt for a HEPA vacuum with a sealed system and always empty the canister outdoors, or get a central vacuum system with a collection canister stowed away in the garage or basement.
Radon in Your Home
Radon, a radioactive gas, is found in the soil and air everywhere in the world and every house has channels through which radon can enter. While radon levels are diluted to non harmful levels in the open air, if it accumulates in your home it can be very dangerous. The colder months make your home especially susceptible to elevated levels of radon, so if you haven’t had the levels tested in your home recently, now is the time.
Home Ventilation is Key
While it may seem like pollutants are pouring in from every corner of your home and poisoning the air, there is much you can do to improve your home’s air quality. Recently, people who are building or remodeling are paying closer attention to the ventilation in their house, and for good reason. Ventilation is the main way to draw out the stagnant air full of pollutants and replace it with fresher, cleaner air from outside. There are two types of home ventilation you need to know about:
Spot Ventilation:
You’re probably aware of bathroom fans and range hoods in the kitchen. These types of spot ventilation provide an exhaust to specifically address those most problematic areas of the home. As they draw bad air out of the home, they create negative air pressure drawing in cleaner air from outside. If you’re building or remodeling your bathroom, it’s a good idea to install a fan connected to the light to ensure it's always used when it should be (you wouldn’t want to shower in the dark, right?). Be aware that there are many different types of range hoods and fans, and some work better than others. Also, some ranges require stronger ventilation, so do your research and make sure to choose the best option for your home.
Whole Home Ventilation:
There are a few different ways to achieve whole home ventilation, but the purpose is always consistently and simultaneously drawing the bad air out of your home and replacing it with cleaner air from outside. Of the options out there, balanced ventilation is the healthiest and most energy-efficient option. It also maintains your desired temperature and humidity levels in your home, so you can stay comfortable and breathe easy.
Conclusion
Indoor air quality is not to be taken lightly. While the above information may seem daunting, there is plenty you can do to improve the air quality in your home to protect yourself and your family. If you’re uncertain if your home has what it takes to ensure good indoor air quality, don’t hesitate! Contact us today, we’re here to help you make sure you have a happy, healthy home.