What Causes Indoor Air Pollution: A Homeowner’s Guide

When you come home after a long day at work, the last thing you think about is contaminants that could be circulating throughout the building. Unfortunately, most houses harbor indoor sources of pollutants that negatively impact health, but what causes indoor air pollution in an otherwise clean home?

As the top provider of ERV air system installation in Oakland Park, FL, Cool By Design breaks down the main sources of indoor air pollution below, including the harmful effects associated with each.

#1 Household Products

Numerous household products can affect indoor air quality, such as cleaning solutions, pesticides, and other products containing toxic chemicals. These contaminants might disperse into the air as you use the product, with certain ingredients triggering health issues like asthma, infections, and even cancer.

After using problematic substances, you might notice symptoms like:

Headaches
Nausea
Coughing

However, you can lessen your family’s exposure by opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate. Alternately, switch to greener, less toxic products. Most retail stores carry a collection of safe household products due to increased demand.

#2 Smoke

Tobacco smoke is one of the main culprits of indoor air pollution. However, smoke can enter your home with candles, incense, and outdoor fires that release smoke particles near your home. Vape products may also trigger allergic reactions and other symptoms in certain people.

Here are a few tips to keep the effects of smoke at bay:

If you use an indoor fireplace, ensure your home has good ventilation to prevent smoke from staying trapped in a room.
If you or a family member smoke tobacco or vape products, use them outdoors.
If you light candles or use incense, use fans and open windows to circulate air afterward. This air also allows the fragrance to circulate and then disperse.

#3 Pets

If you want to know what causes indoor air pollution, one look at your pets might answer your question. These furry friends release dander throughout the house, an allergen for some people. But even those without pet allergies may sneeze, cough, or wheeze when dander becomes a problem.

Regularly grooming your pets helps. Brushing and bathing also prevent dry flakes of dander from traveling throughout your home’s indoor air. It also keeps your pets healthy.

#4 Mold

Mold and mildew are two of the main culprits of poor indoor air quality. These organisms grow in dark, moist areas that receive little sunlight and increase with leaks or water damage. Other sources of mold may include poorly-maintained humidifiers, bathroom curtains, uncleaned spills, faucets, and any other areas associated with constant moisture.

Severe mold cases can result in respiratory disease, so it is always best to seek professional restoration services for water damage. You should also use bleach solutions to regularly clean your bathroom and kitchen while opening the windows to encourage sunlight to filter into your home.

#5 Outdoor Allergens

Have you ever noticed that your allergies remain indoors? Outdoor allergens find their way inside through open doors and windows and on your clothes, shoes, and pets. If you struggle with severe allergies during pollen season, you should keep your home as tidy as possible by dusting and sweeping regularly.

Try taking off your shoes before you come inside and depositing clothes into the washing machine using warm water. These habits could prevent you and other family members from tracking outdoor irritants into your home and relieve your allergy symptoms.

#6 Hazardous Building Materials

If you live in an old house, the building materials could cause serious respiratory issues. For instance, paint products made before 1978 often contain lead, and Florida houses built before 1989 often contain asbestos. Construction no longer involves asbestos or lead, but numerous properties predate the materials’ bans.

Each of these substances can lead to myriad health problems, including the following:

Damage to vital organs like the brain, kidneys, and liver
Increase your risk of aggressive cancers
Cognitive decline and disabilities
Nerve and blood vessel damage

Say Goodbye to Indoor Air Pollution with Cool By Design Inc

Are you surprised by the causes of indoor air pollution? At Cool By Design, we believe knowledge is power. Now that you know about the potential pollutants lurking throughout your property, you can make an informed decision about how to solve the air quality problems you may be facing.

Would you like to know more about what causes indoor air pollution and how to stop it? Ask us about installing an industry-leading air filtration system, or call Cool By Design Inc at 954-900-1098 today!