Breathing Easy: Essential Strategies for Maintaining Fresh Indoor Air Quality

As you go about your daily life, you might not think much about the air you breathe inside. Yet, the quality of indoor air is crucial for our well-being, whether we are at home or work. 

With wildfires raging across the Mediterranean, Florida, and several Western states, and Canadian fires bringing choking pollution and air quality alerts to Chicagoland and other Upper Midwest areas, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of the air you’re breathing. 

Poor indoor air quality can lead to a host of health issues, ranging from allergies and asthma to more severe complications from mold growth and exposure to hazardous gas.

To ensure a safe and healthy environment, it’s vital to understand potential issues and take appropriate steps to clear the air. Let’s take a closer look at why your indoor environment matters and reveal some effective strategies to help you and your family breathe easier.

Unveiling Indoor Air Troublemakers

The significance of indoor air quality cannot be underestimated, considering that most Americans spend over 90% of their time inside, especially remote workers and stay-at-home parents or caregivers.

Shockingly, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than that outside. This makes it even more urgent to take steps to assess and improve the air quality within your home or business.

Here are a few of the most common indoor pollutants:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Household cleaners, air fresheners, paints, car exhaust, and certain hobby supplies release VOCs, which can be harmful when inhaled.
• Carbon monoxide: This odorless gas, produced by burning fuels like gas, oil, and wood, can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death in high concentrations.
• Bioaerosols: Airborne products of biological hazards can contribute to infectious conditions like Legionnaires’ disease.
• Mold and mildew: Fungi thrive in damp and humid environments like bathrooms and basements, leading to respiratory problems and allergic reactions.
• Pet dander: As much as we love our furry friends, their skin flakes can cause respiratory problems and itchy eyes in some people.
• Dust and dirt particles: These tiny particles are ubiquitous and can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Tobacco smoke: Cigarette and cigar smoke contain harmful chemicals that can cause cancer and other health issues, even for non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.

Inadequate ventilation and poor circulation can exacerbate the accumulation of these unwanted guests, leading to compromised air quality and potential risks. In severe cases, exposure to hazardous contaminants like radon gas and asbestos may increase the risk of developing certain forms of cancer. 

Exploring Eco-Friendly Solutions

During the winter months, indoor air tends to become drier, which can exacerbate respiratory problems for those with breathing issues or autoimmune deficiencies. In the summer, high heat can bring microparticles from wildfires and heavy humidity can encourage mold growth.

To combat these conditions, home repair guru Bob Vila recommends that you keep your house clean, dusted, and vacuumed, and make your own organic air fresheners. These steps can go a long way in maintaining a healthier indoor environment.

Unpleasant signs like musty odors, excessive dust or moisture, or persistent allergy-like symptoms may indicate a problem, but professional testing will generate a detailed and accurate report. This enables you to identify the sources of pollutants and take appropriate measures to improve your breathing.

One effective way to improve your indoor atmosphere is through the use of air purifiers and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These devices can eliminate particulates such as dust, pet dander, and other contaminants that may cause health issues. Some HEPA filters can even capture germs, bacteria, and viruses, further enhancing the safety of your home’s environment.

There are several eco-friendly moves that can significantly improve indoor air quality. Opt for cleaning products that do not emit harmful VOCs, and avoid products containing phthalates, ammonia, and chlorines, as they can be particularly harmful to your health.

Another natural and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance air quality is by cultivating a green thumb. Gorgeous and easy-to-care-for plants such as Aloe vera, rubber trees (aka Ficus elastica), snake plants, and peace lilies, not only add charm to your space but also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, purifying the environment and promoting healthier breathing.

Getting the Assistance You Need

Maintaining the best indoor breathability is crucial for the health and comfort of those living or working in a building, especially considering how much time you spend there. 

When issues arise, it’s critical to take the necessary steps to foster a healthier atmosphere. Implementing simple measures like using purifiers, improving ventilation, and incorporating indoor plants can have a major impact on your and your family’s well-being.
Remember, if you ever sense something is amiss in your home or face a disaster like fire or flooding, PuroClean of Evanston is just a call or click away. Reach out to our 24/7 response team for peace of mind and expert assistance in restoring your space to a healthy and safe condition.