When we consider air pollution, most of us aren’t likely to picture images of the insides of our homes or office buildings. However, with Americans spending so much time inside — particularly now that the weather is colder — maintaining a high quality of air in our homes, vehicles, and places of work is important for our overall health. In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency recognized indoor air contamination is an authentic problem in our society and listed it amongst the top of the environmental dangers facing the public. With the risk of air pollution to the health greater indoors than it is outdoors, we at Grove City Heating and Air composed the following to encourage you to make educated choices to support indoor air quality.
LIMIT THE USE OF AEROSOL PRODUCTS
Aerosol products are known to pollute the air indoors. Utilized in an assortment of different products, they can include neurotoxins and carcinogens that are incredibly hazardous for children and adults. Popular products include air fresheners, hair spray, cleaning supplies, deodorants, insecticides, and more. Reducing the use of these can preserve the air in your home or business.
TRY FRAGRANCE-FREE
Fragrances manufactured in a lot of everyday household cleaning products can affect people with asthma and allergies in a bad way. Recent studies have even shown natural scents in them can be toxic and even react with the ozone. To preserve your indoor air quality, shop for fragrance-free alternatives, including laundry detergent and kitchen and bathroom soaps. Instead, utilize more natural cleaners such as lemon and baking soda and vinegar to keep your house dazzling clean.
DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE
Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors throughout. Most of us are aware of the dangers of this invisible, odorless gas. It could potentially be one of the most poisonous gases you could come in touch with inside your home. Your best protection against this deadly poison is a carbon monoxide detector. A lot of people don’t usually consider this a top priority in the context of indoor air quality because it would only be used in an emergency situation. Carbon monoxide is created by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, when a heating appliance has gone bad. Old furnaces, boilers, and gas fires are common examples. If your chimney or flue is blocked, the carbon monoxide will be incapable of leaving your home, causing a dangerous concentration to develop fast.
GET BEESWAX CANDLES
Candles help spaces feel comfortable and romantic even, but a lot of people don’t know candles can be toxic. Most candles contain paraffin. Paraffin is produced from petroleum, which can impact the quality of air in your home. Instead of using just any old candle, try beeswax candles. Beeswax candles release practically no smoke. They are excellent alternatives for those with asthma and allergies.
STOP INSIDE SMOKING
Smoking inside releases dangerous and even deadly pollutants into your home’s air. We could write an entire blog on this one by itself. In places with smoking indoors, the smoke is not merely limited to the air. It gets immersed into the furniture, implanted in the carpet, attached to the bedding. It even covers the ceiling and walls, and you can see it. All this can heighten a host of respiratory and other health problems in the home, particularly if you have kids. With an estimated 4,000 different harmful chemicals in it and pollutants, smoking can even lead to unexpected death. So, if someone absolutely has to smoke, make that person go outside for the health and sake of everyone inside.
DEADLY RADON
Because the ground in certain regions can release radon, experts say it’s a good plan to have your home examined for it. Radon is another invisible, odorless toxic gas that can cause lung cancer. Sometimes even building materials can release radon. When radon is released, the structure of your home can act as a “chimney,” causing negative pressure to suck the gas inside, especially basements, like a vacuum.
CAR EXHAUST FUMES IN YOUR GARAGE
This one can play a significant role. A lot of homeowners idle or warm up their vehicles during the colder months. This can be a major cause of poor air quality for houses with adjoined garages. It is also imperative to remember this when the garage door is closed. Try taking your car outside if you have been warming it up in an attached garage, or at least leave the door open.
UNSCENTED PAINTS
On today’s market, there is a nearly endless number of paint products. If you do your homework, you can find paints that have no smell at all and are designed to improve indoor air quality. If you plan on carrying out any home renovation or restoration project, this is crucial. Find paints that promote indoor air quality and are environmentally friendly.
UTILIZE SMOKE DETECTORS
Smoke detectors are necessary for any building. But they are not only useful in alarming you of a fire. These lifesaving devices advise you when there is any smoke in the air. To ensure healthy air quality in your living spaces, this is a vital and lifesaving tool.
ROUTINELY SERVICE YOUR FURNACE
Making sure your furnace gets serviced regularly will save you a lot of headaches — literally.
When your furnace isn’t functioning optimally, it will not clean your air as it should. Worse yet, it can create more costly maintenance issues or cease functioning entirely. Routinely servicing your furnace is crucial. Try to have it done at least once per year. To figure out the best maintenance program for your unit, call Grove City Heating & Air today at 614-490-7540 or schedule an appointment online now at www.grovecityheatingandair.com/schedule-now/.
