Air pollution is rampant in many cities throughout the United States. What might come as a surprise to homeowners, however, is that pollution is not only present in the outdoor air, but in the air inside houses as well. Here are some facts about the relationship between indoor air quality and health.
Common Air Pollutants
There are numerous substances that can affect indoor air quality. Tobacco smoke, while not nearly as prevalent in homes as it used to be, is still a leading cause of indoor air pollution. Biological pollutants, such as dust and pet dander, are also frequently found in the air inside residences. Other contributors to indoor air pollution are radon, a radioactive gas, and asbestos, a mineral formerly used in construction materials.
Health Effects of Poor Air Quality
Breathing in polluted indoor air can cause mild to severe health problems. For instance, individuals who are frequently exposed to pollutants such as dust and pollen are likely to have allergy symptoms. These may include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and having itchy eyes. Additionally, people who are exposed to more dangerous contaminants, such as radon or asbestos, for a lengthy period of time can develop lung cancer, among other health issues.
Making Indoor Air Safer to Breathe
Poor indoor air quality can promote very serious health risks. Fortunately, there are some key ways that people can make the air inside their homes safer to breathe. Along with having their residences checked for radon by an air conditioning company, homeowners should make sure that their HVAC system is working properly.
Breathing in polluted indoor air can cause mild to severe health problems. For instance, individuals who are frequently exposed to pollutants such as dust and pollen are likely to have allergy symptoms. These may include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and having itchy eyes. Additionally, people who are exposed to more dangerous contaminants, such as radon or asbestos, for a lengthy period of time can develop lung cancer, among other health issues.
Making Indoor Air Safer to Breathe
Poor indoor air quality can promote very serious health risks. Fortunately, there are some key ways that people can make the air inside their homes safer to breathe. Along with having their residences checked for radon by an air conditioning company, homeowners should make sure that their HVAC system is working properly.
If you live in Montgomery County and have questions about your home’s indoor air quality, give Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning a call at (301) 900-5559. Our staff of qualified professionals installs heatings and cooling systems and repairs ductwork to improve air quality. We provide services for residences and businesses in Gaithersburg and are dedicated to providing the best customer service possible. For more information about our company or services, visit our website today.