Health Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality
A lot has been said about maintaining air filters and ensuring proper indoor air quality. For this article, I am going to talk about what happens when you fail to maintain that air quality. The health consequences range from irritating to life-threatening and all are to be avoided. Here is a compiled this list of potential health consequences to help warn you against the dangers of allowing pollutants to build up in your home.
Immediate Health Issues
Depending on how bad the air quality is, you may find immediate health issues cropping up. These issues are fairly minor for most people. Mild symptoms include coughing and irritation of the eyes and throat. Depending on the severity of the pollution you may also find yourself suffering from other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and even nausea.
If you suffer from a respiratory issue such as asthma, these symptoms will get worse. Venturing into an area with poor indoor air quality may lead to an asthma attack or worse symptoms.
It should be noted that a lot of the symptoms poor air quality are similar to those of the common cold or allergies. As a result, most people may dismiss the symptoms or attempt treatments that are unrelated to the problem. The best way to distinguish the two is to see if your condition improves as you leave. If your allergies or cold seems tied to a specific area, then it is likely a problem with that particular area.
Long-Term Health Issues
There are many long-term health effects associated with poor indoor air quality. Some of these health effects include cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. While associations between these conditions and indoor air quality are well known, what is less well documented is how long before the damage becomes irreversible.
Various studies have been conducted on the matter pertaining to what concentrations are likely harmful and how long of the exposure is necessary before the effects can be determined. Furthermore, different people have different reactions to various kinds of pollutants. As a result, even short term, asymptomatic exposures can lead to long-term health consequences. In general, it is better to play it safe and minimize your exposure to household pollutants.
Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
The health consequences of poor air quality are serious, but thankfully air quality is something you can manage.
For starters, invest in a decent air filter. HEPA filters are best, but standard high-efficiency filters are also effective if you can’t afford to invest in the HEPA option.
Keeping your air conditioner running helps to circulate the air in your home as well. As long as it is properly maintained by technicians such as those at Adams AC or by yourself, you can be sure the AC will keep running. This circulates the air and ensures it all gets pulled into the filter eventually.
Improved ventilation within your home will also help improve the air quality. Airtight homes build up pollutants that have nowhere to escape to. Maintaining proper ventilation within your home where possible will help ensure proper circulation and allow for the escape of contaminants like pollen.
Healthy Homes, Healthy Life
Ultimately, keeping the air in your home clean is essential to a long and healthy life. By maintaining a healthy home, you can ensure the long-term health of its occupants and do not have to worry about long-term complications from certain illnesses. From air filters to ventilation, however, there are many ways to ensure the safety and health of yourself and your family. Do not neglect this essential part of home maintenance – your lungs will thank you.
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