The indoor air quality of your home in Citrus County, FL is important to your family’s health and well-being. Poor indoor air quality is a source of many negative effects, ranging from health problems to decreased productivity. Below are seven of the most common threats to indoor air quality.
1. VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) come from various common household products and materials ranging from cleaning supplies to paint fumes. VOCs are leading causes of indoor air pollution and can have short- and long-term health effects, including headaches, dizziness, nausea and respiratory problems.
These compounds are in ordinary household products; as you use them, they put off gas, which can accumulate to unhealthy levels.
2. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced whenever you burn fuel. While small amounts of carbon monoxide are not harmful, large amounts can be deadly.
Carbon monoxide can build up indoors if you have fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces or wood stoves. Proper ventilation and maintenance of these appliances are essential to prevent excessive carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
3. Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that occurs in any rock or soil. It can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or other openings and build up to dangerous levels.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers; exposure to high levels can cause various other health problems. You cannot notice when radon is present in indoor air. Therefore, it is important to keep you and your family safe by testing for radon and taking steps to reduce exposure.
4. Environmental Factors
A warm and humid climate like that found in Citrus County, FL can provide the perfect conditions for fungus and other contaminants to grow. These fungi reproduce by releasing spores into the air, which can cause various health problems, including respiratory problems, allergic reactions and infections.
Installing a functional whole-house dehumidifier can help reduce the growth of these contaminants in your home and improve indoor air quality. You can also install an air conditioning system to help with reducing the humidity in your home.
5. Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural fiber found in rocks and soil used in various building materials due to its resistance to heat and chemical damage. However, when you disturb these materials, they release asbestos fibers into the air. People can breathe in these fibers and over time, they can accumulate in the lungs and cause health problems.
Asbestos is no longer used in new construction but may be present in older homes. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your home, it is important that a professional test and remove it if necessary.
6. Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke exhaled by smokers and the smoke from the burning end of cigarettes, cigars or pipes. This smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including over 70 known to cause cancer.
Breathing in secondhand smoke can cause various health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. If you or someone in your family smokes, it is important to do so outside and away from the home to protect the health of your loved ones.
7. Lead Particles
Lead is a heavy metal found in products and materials like paint, gasoline and plumbing fixtures. These products and materials release lead particles when they deteriorate or you disturb them.
Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause various health problems, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems and even death. The risk is very high in children and pregnant women. If you suspect there may be lead in your home, it is important to test for it and to take steps to remove it.
The indoor air quality in your home is paramount, and you should take immediate steps to improve it if you suspect any problem. If the problem is serious, contact Senica Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation or installation of a indoor air cleaners or purifiers to help clean and improve your home’s air quality. We offer quality services to ensure you and your family live in a healthy environment.
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