Indoor air quality makes a huge impact in our lives. On average, a person spends 90% of their time indoors and if that environment is polluted, you may be putting yourself and your family at risk. Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is a necessity, yet one that is easily and often overlooked in Albuquerque.
More Chances of Pollution
We usually consider air pollutants to be outdoors, caused by car fumes, smoke and other chemicals and gasses being released into the atmosphere on a daily basis. However, certain gasses and chemicals are produced inside the house too. Poorly ventilated homes and structures often create a greenhouse of these gasses that can make a huge impact on the health of some individuals.
Common Pollutants in Indoor Air
It’s funny to think that indoor air can get polluted but you would be surprised by the amount of chemicals and pollutants that can be found in a typical home. Indoor air can be polluted with the following gasses and chemicals:
- Mold: Mold is a fungal growth that occurs in dark, moist areas and spreads by releasing spores in the air. These spores, alive or dead, can cause allergic reactions similar to the ones experienced by exposure to plant pollen. Moreover, certain mold types are prone to releasing mycotoxins that are toxic. Prolonged exposure to these it can cause adverse health problems.
- Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas, Radon is found in large quantities in certain localities. While it doesn’t occur in building materials, there are few materials that are tested for the presence of Radon. As an indoor air pollutant, it is one of the most hazardous, causing growth of cancerous cells in tens of thousands of people.
- Carbon Monoxide: This is another poisonous gas that can cause nausea, brain damage and, as we all know, can result in death as well. It occurs by improper combustion of fossil fuel such as coal and oil furnaces and engines and even tobacco smoke. Natural gas appliances can malfunction, producing carbon monoxide gas.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A natural gas that is emitted by all human beings, carbon dioxide has a tendency to collect indoors. If not properly ventilated, it is possible to get high concentration of carbon dioxide. This can cause lower concentration levels, impaired motor abilities and low energy levels ( www.energy.wsu.edu ). Rarely do CO2 levels rise to dangerous levels in buildings, but in schools and offices, poor air quality due to carbon dioxide poses a huge threat.
- Asbestos: Asbestos was a building material, popularly used as a construction material till 1975. Broken, damaged or disturbed asbestos is prone to releasing fiber particles into the air. Inhalation of these is responsible for lung cancer and the development of mesothelioma.
- Tests you can do yourself: Before you have to call in a professional, there are some simple, affordable things you can do to assess the indoor air quality of your home. Radon tests and carbon monoxide detectors are both very affordable. If you know of moisture in a certain room or area of your house, look for signs of mildew or mold growth. Use your eyes and your nose. Mold is common and mold remediation should be considered.
Investing in Improving Indoor Air Quality
Given the harmful indoor air pollutants, poor indoor air quality has been linked with various diseases. This is one of the main reasons why it is important to improve indoor air quality. If you are dealing with any odors or known pollutants in your home or office, please give STOP Restoration of Albuquerque a call at (505) 892-3112. Our team of experts can help you correctly assess the quality of your indoor air and help you plot the corrective measures you can deploy in order to get healthy indoor air quality.
