How to Prevent Indoor Air Problems in Your Jupiter, FL Home

When you consider air pollution, your first thoughts are probably more closely linked to smokestacks and car exhaust pipes rather than the carpet in your living room. But most people spend so much time indoors that indoor air quality is a vital health concern. By smoking outside, using air cleaners and other steps, you can prevent indoor air problems in Jupiter, FL.

Take Smoking Outside

According to the Cleveland Clinic, experts say that one of the most common pollutants causing a hazard to indoor air is cigarette smoke. When rooms containing a great deal of carpeting or fabric play host to residual particles and gas from cigarette smoke, thirdhand smoke is the result. The risks are higher for children who tend to play close to the ground; people of all ages who have chronic lung and heart problems also have higher risks.

Electronic cigarettes are also a potential source of pollution. They emit vapors containing volatile organic compounds, chemicals and heavy metals associated with lung disease. A smoke-free home is the safest approach.

Use Natural Cleaners

Household cleaners cause indoor air pollution. Harsh chemicals produce fumes that irritate the mouth, nose, lungs and skin. Symptoms can worsen in those who have chronic sinusitis and asthma when the fumes cause inflammation.

When you use natural cleaners, you avoid the chemicals found in harsh chemical cleaners. Those with chronic conditions of the lungs can prevent complications in healing by avoiding inflammation.

Improve Ventilation

When air enters a home in limited amounts, pollutants may accumulate, causing problems with comfort and health. The housing industry designs and constructs residences to prevent outdoor air from leaking into the home. This is due to the desire to maintain energy efficiency.

Air that smells or is stuffy, equipment for air cooling that is dirty, or condensation on walls or windows could be signs that your home lacks ventilation. It can be easy to grow accustomed to odors in your home, so to detect any that are present, step outside for several minutes and then take note of odors upon reentering.

Utilize Air Cleaners

Many sizes and types of air cleaners are available on the market. These range from systems for the whole house to relatively inexpensive models that sit on a table. They also vary widely in effectiveness.

An air cleaner’s effectiveness relies on two aspects: its effectiveness in gathering pollutants from the air and the amount of air it draws through the filtering or cleaning element. A third element comes into play in an air cleaner’s reliability as well: the strength of the pollutant source.

Minimize Risks

To improve your indoor air quality, cut down risks by taking certain steps. These include using craft supplies in areas that are well-ventilated, ensuring that your gas stove is well-ventilated and removing carpeting. Other steps include:

• Avoid smoking indoors
• Minimize clutter
• Use an air conditioner and a dehumidifier for moisture reduction
• Do not overuse air fresheners
• Detect for carbon monoxide and test for radon
• Dust and vacuum regularly and often

Prevent Biological Growth with Moisture Control

According to the EPA, moisture control is key to controlling biological growth. When water spills or leaks, act quickly. If you dry damp or wet materials within two days after a spill or leak, in most cases, biological growth will not occur.

Keep the humidity indoors low. Maintain clean air conditioning drip catchers and ensure drain lines flow freely and unobstructed. If you notice moisture or condensation collecting on walls, windows, or pipes, act swiftly to dry the area and reduce the source of the moisture.

Whether you need to improve your ventilation or get rid of biological growth, you have many options to improve and protect the quality of your indoor air. Call Stephen K. Denny, Inc., and we will assist you with our specialty of maintaining healthy and clean air in your home.

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