Common Threats to Indoor Air Quality in Stuart, FL

Maintaining your indoor air quality is essential in improving your health and comfort levels. Understanding and controlling threats to your indoor air quality can help to reduce the risk of indoor health issues. Here are four common threats to indoor air quality in Stuart, FL.

1. Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually produced as chemicals from various liquids or solids in your home. Household products such as paint solvents, disinfectants, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, cosmetic products and pesticides contain organic chemicals. Other sources of VOCs in your home include building materials and furnishings, stored fuels and dry-cleaned clothing.

VOCs have various health effects in your home, including eye, throat, and nose irritation as well as damage to the kidney, liver and central nervous system. Other effects include headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, fatigue and dizziness. Exposure to VOCs for a long time can increase the risk of cancer.

You can reduce the concentration of VOCs in your home by improving ventilation in your home. Additionally, you can minimize the use of pesticides and aerosols in your home and discard chemicals and paint products that are not in use. Investing in air cleaners can also help eliminate VOCs in your home and improve your indoor air quality.

2. Biological Pollutants

Biological contaminants include viruses, bacteria, pet dander and pollen. There are various sources of biological pollutants, including household pets, waste from pests and contaminated HVAC systems. The presence of moisture encourages the growth of biological contaminants.

Areas with moisture such as carpets, condensate pans, humidifiers and unvented bathrooms are common breeding grounds for these contaminants. Biological pollutants have various health effects, including triggering allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Other effects include coughing, fever, difficulty in breathing, sneezing and digestive problems.

You can reduce exposure to biological pollutants by installing exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to prevent the buildup of moisture. Investing in dehumidifiers helps to reduce the level of moisture in your indoor air and inhibit the growth of these pollutants. Ultraviolet (UV) lights can also help to prevent the spread of biological contaminants in your home.

3. Toxic Gases

Prolonged exposure to toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide can cause health issues to you and your family members. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is fatal if you inhale for a long time. Sources of carbon monoxide in your home include tobacco smoke, gas stoves, poorly maintained furnaces or boilers and exhaust from automobiles.

Low concentration of carbon monoxide in your home can lead to fatigue, impaired vision, chest pain and dizziness. High concentrations of the gas can lead to headaches, nausea, confusion and even death.

Sources of nitrogen dioxide in your home include unvented combustion appliances, tobacco smoke, and kerosene heaters. The health effects of the gas include irritation of the nose, eyes, throat and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic bronchitis and damage to the lungs.

Radon is a colorless, odorless and radioactive gas that can negatively impact your indoor air quality. It is usually found below the foundation of a house and enters your home through cracks in the foundation. Prolonged exposure to the gas can lead to lung cancer.

There are various steps you can take to reduce exposure to these toxic gases, including properly adjusting your gas appliances. Exhaust fans can help vent toxic gases outdoors and schedule regular HVAC inspections and tune-ups to prevent any leakages.

4. HVAC Issues

Clogged air filters will make your HVAC system strain to heat your home as they reduce airflow. Your system may also spread air pollutants throughout your home, which lowers your indoor air quality. If your ducts are leaking, dust and dirt can enter your indoor air.

Proper maintenance of your HVAC system will help to improve your indoor air quality. Ensure that you clean your vents and have the ductwork inspected periodically to fix any leaks. You should replace your air filters regularly to prevent the buildup of air pollutants.

Stephen K. Denny, Inc. provides complete HVAC and pool heating services. We offer 24/7 emergency services and guarantee satisfaction. Contact Stephen K. Denny, Inc. today for all your air conditioning services.

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