This article “Effects Of Poor Indoor Air Quality” saw
first print on saveonenergy.com by Terri
Williams |
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the
average American spends 90 percent of their time indoors – and that stat was
before the pandemic. The EPA also notes that the concentration of certain
pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors, directly impacting
air quality.
“In times like these, while many of us are spending more
time working or attending virtual classes from home, the air quality of our
homes is even more important,” says Jotham Hatch, a certified expert in indoor
home health, and VP of training at Chem-Dry. Chem-Dry has a national partnership
with the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) to raise awareness and provide
education on the importance of indoor air quality in maintaining the health and
safety of homes and businesses.
Below are some of the effects of poor indoor air quality and
ways to improve it.
Why indoor air quality is important
“Poor indoor air quality can lead to unwanted and
preventable illnesses – especially with cold and flu season in full swing in
the midst of a global pandemic,” Hatch says. “The quality of the air in your
home actually makes a significant impact on the overall health of homeowners
and their families.”
According to the EPA, typical pollutants include carbon
monoxide, tobacco smoke, pet dander, molds, radon, lead, asbestos, pesticides,
ozone, and volatile organic compounds.
“As dirt and dust particles are brought into the home, they
settle on surfaces like couches, carpets, ceiling fans and blinds, and are
continuously stirred up and recirculated as people move throughout their homes
on a daily basis,” Hatch explains. And he says it’s vital to keep these areas
clean to maintain maximum health.
How to improve indoor air quality
Focus on ventilation
Your home’s ventilation plays a vital role in ensuring its
level of health. “Proper roof ventilation in the attic can prevent mold and
similar growth from forming, and it ensures clean air is circulated
throughout,” says Eamon Lynch, director of warranty service at Power Home Remodeling.
And Lynch says ventilation is especially important for
anyone with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies. “You also want
to inspect your home’s exhaust vents – the stove range hood, bathroom fans,
etc. – to make sure any exhaust is completely leaving your home,” he explains.
Another effective, old-fashioned way to get fresh air into your home is to open
the windows.
Cross ventilation is yet another option to bring in fresh
air. “I recommend opening windows on opposite sides of a room to help fresh air
enter and push out old, stale air,” Lynch says. “One thing I’d keep top of mind
is the season; during pollination season, keep your windows closed so that
allergens aren’t able to enter as easily.”
Switch out your HVAC filter
In a pandemic, we’ve all been spending more time at home. As
a result, our HVAC
systems aren’t getting a break because we’re using them around the
clock to stay comfortable. “It can be easy to forget, but switching out
older filters is important for air quality — and I’d increase the frequency the
more time you spend at home,” Lynch says. Location also plays a role. In hot
places – like Texas –
HVACs have to work a lot harder, so it’s easy more important to pay attention
to your filter.
“Even though your vents should be free of dirt and dust if
the system filter is clean, it can still be helpful to dust in between the vent
slats with a rag or dusting wand,” he recommends. “Since vents are made of
metal, condensation can form when you blast the AC.”
But why is that so important? “This condensation can
draw in the tiniest, microscopic dust particles, which could impact your
overall air quality,” Lynch explains.
Also, don’t forget your stove range filter. “Chances are
likely that you’re spending more time cooking at home, which can contribute to
your indoor air pollution,” he says. “If you find yourself cooking more often,
prioritize cleaning your stove range filters more regularly.” Lynch recommends
wiping them down with warm soapy water on a monthly basis to prevent any grease
or oil buildup.
Mind your floors
Vacuuming is an easy way to clean your home. However, Lynch
says it may not be the best option for air quality.
“As your vacuum sucks up dirt and dust particles into the
vacuum bag, a small, almost undetectable amount gets spread into the air,” he
says. “When cleaning your home, I recommend choosing to sweep or mop because
it’s better at trapping dander, dirt, and dust.”
However, if you’re like most of us, it’s hard to give up the
convenience of vacuuming. Hatch says carpet is probably the largest filter in
the home. “Vacuuming the carpet with a vacuum that has a certified
microfiltration system helps pull allergens on the surface out of it,” he
explains.
In fact, Hatch even recommends vacuuming upholstered
furniture, area rugs, and mattresses on a regular schedule. “As pollutants get
trapped in the fibers of these surfaces, frequent vacuuming combined with
regular professional cleaning will drastically reduce allergens caused by pet
dander, pollen, dust mites, etc.”
Hatch recommends vacuuming twice a week – more often if you
have pets. “I also recommend frequent professional deep cleaning of the carpet,
area rugs, upholstery, and mattresses – every 6 – 12 months, depending on the
traffic,” he says.
In addition, Hatch says you should clean and dust hard
surfaces, including countertops, furniture, tile and stone, hardwood, luxury
vinyl, and linoleum floors at least 3 times a week – and more often if you have
pets.
Terri Williams is a freelance
journalist with bylines at The Economist, USA Today, Yahoo, the Houston
Chronicle, and U.S. News & World Report. Connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
[Theskaman306]/Shutterstock
Media Contact:
Deborah F
Communications Manager
6860 North
Dallas Parkway, Suite 228 | Plano, TX 75024
Email: heba@admin.saveonenergy.com
Website: www.saveonenergy.com
This site may possibly earn a commission from affiliated
partners for qualifying purchases should you choose to buy through our links.
