PuroClean of Evanston 
Maintaining indoor air quality is vital for the health and comfort of any building’s inhabitants, whether it’s your home or business.
Poor air quality cause or exacerbate allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and headaches. High levels of pollutants can also foster mold growth and unpleasant odors, and lead to other issues no property owner wants to deal with.
Testing and taking steps to improve your indoor air quality is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy environment. In this useful guide, we’ll discuss common pollutants and what steps you should take to clear the air.
Understanding Potential Indoor Air Issues
Indoor air quality has become a significant concern in recent years and for a good reason. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air — and most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors.
It’s crucial to take appropriate measures to assess and improve the air quality in your home or office. Some of the most common indoor air pollutants include:
- Dust and dirt particles: These are the most common, and they can trigger allergies and asthma attacks in people who are sensitive.
- Pet dander: Tiny flakes of skin shed by your beloved pets can cause respiratory problems and itchy eyes in some.
- Mold and mildew: Fungi that thrive in damp and humid environments can lead to upper and lower respiratory problems and allergic reactions.
- Tobacco smoke: Cigarette and cigar smoke contains harmful chemicals that cause cancer and other health issues.
- VOCs: VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals found in household cleaners and other products like air fresheners, paint, and hobby supplies.
- Carbon monoxide: This colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuels such as gas, oil, and wood causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death in high concentrations.
Poor ventilation and circulation can cause these air pollutants to build up, leading to poor indoor air quality and possible health risks. In severe cases, exposure to hazardous air contaminants like radon gas and asbestos could increase the risk of developing some forms of cancer.
During the winter months, indoor air tends to be drier, which can cause respiratory problems in those with breathing issues or autoimmune deficiencies. Simple steps such as opening windows, using air purifiers, and avoiding smoking indoors can go a long way in maintaining a healthy environment.
Testing and Improving
Testing the air in your home or place of work helps identify the pollutants that might be present so you can devise a plan to eliminate them.
It’s important to note what signs may indicate problems, such as musty odors, excessive dust accumulation, or persistent respiratory symptoms among occupants. However, these signs alone may not provide a comprehensive picture of the underlying cause.
If you want to comprehensively and accurately analyze your indoor air, it’s best to hire a professional service. These teams utilize specialized equipment to test air quality and provide you with a detailed report. They can also identify the sources of the pollutants and recommend appropriate solutions to improve the air you breathe.
Inadequate ventilation and air circulation are among the primary factors contributing to indoor pollution. Poor ventilation is often the result of a sealed building envelope that prevents inside air from circulating with fresh air from outside.
Purifiers and high-efficiency particulate air filters could be an excellent solutions to improve the indoor air quality of your home or office. These eliminate pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and other small particles that could cause various symptoms. Some HEPA filters can also capture germs, bacteria, and viruses, leaving your indoor environment healthier and safer.
Excessive humidity levels in your home or office could promote the growth of mold and mildew. Maintain appropriate humidity levels inside by using dehumidifiers in spaces that tend to accumulate excessive moisture, like basements and bathrooms.
Small Steps With a Big Impact
There are many eco-friendly cleaning products that do not emit harmful VOCs into the air, which causes more pollution. Harmful chemicals to watch for include phthalates, ammonia, and chlorines.
Becoming a green thumb is an excellent way to improve your indoor air quality naturally. Indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, purifying the air and making it healthier for breathing. Consider incorporating some of these low-maintenance plants in your home or office to improve the air quality while adding charm and aesthetic value:
Indoor air quality is essential for the health and comfort of your family or employees. Understanding the common pollutants and regularly testing your air quality is a key factor in improving the environment where you spend so much time.
Eliminating particulates, using eco-friendly products, and incorporating indoor plants can all improve your indoor air significantly. Implementing these measures will create a cleaner business or family home and help reduce allergy attacks, breathing problems, and other concerns.
If you sense something in the air at your home or business or have suffered a recent fire or flooding event, we can help. Get the peace of mind and assistance you need to make things right — reach out to our 24/7 response team today!
PuroClean of Evanston 