Ways to improve indoor air quality.
For people who spend a good amount of their day in their home, the quality of the air they breathe is very important. This is especially true for people affected by respiratory problems, and other illnesses such as cancer, small children and the elderly.
At one time smoking in the home was a common occurrence, and the greatest threat to air quality. Nowadays with fewer people smoking, we have to look a little deeper to find the culprits that are destroying our health.
One of the greatest offenders is mold in the home. Normally this will appear first in bathrooms and basements. Sometimes mold can go undetected until it reaches a dangerous level. Any dampness on the floors and walls needs dried up immediately, to prevent mold from forming. A leak in your roof could take some time to show up on the ceiling in your home, but could be causing water damage to your attic structure and overhead insulation, where mold could be growing.
Another danger in the home is radon gas. Radon is one of the major causes of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It is an odorless colorless gas that can only be detected with the proper test equipment. You can call in an expert to make this test, or purchase a DIY test kit at your local building supply store.
If you find you have a high level of radon gas in your home, look into getting a radon reduction system. They are not too costly, and some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%.
Getting ready to build your new home? Radon-resistant construction techniques can be used by your contractor to prevent radon gas from entering your home.
Pets can be a major source of allergens in the home. Saliva and urine, as well as their skin flakes (dander), can cause an allergic reaction. Your pet's hair or fur can collect dust, pollen and mold, and other allergens. People with pet allergies have to be cautious what type of pets they allow in their home. Frequent, thorough vacuuming is recommended to keep the home free of allergens, as well as air cleaners, and high-efficiency heating and air conditioning filters.
Dust mites are everywhere in the home, and cause thousands of people with asthma to go to the emergency room every year. They can be found on mattresses and pillows, carpets and draperies, as well as your upholstered furniture. Vinyl or plastic covers for mattresses, box springs and pillows can be purchased which will greatly reduce an allergic reaction to dust mites. Even your child's stuffed animals can contain dust mites, and should be washed and dried often.
Improve you and your family's quality of living by keeping your indoor air clean and fresh.
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