We all know that outdoor air pollution is bad for you but did you know that indoor air pollution can be just as dangerous? Here is some information about indoor air pollution solutions.
We typically think of our home as a safe haven but danger can be lurking where you least expect it.
So what is air pollution? Air pollution is a mixture of man-made and natural substances and is typically separated into two separate categories: outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollution refers to exposures to particulates, carbon oxides, and other pollutants carried indoors by air or dust. This could be caused by anything from building materials like carpet, upholstery, adhesives, manufactured wood products, and paint to wood burning stoves, fireplaces, and gas stoves.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most common types of air pollutants are:
- Particulate matter (often referred to as particle pollution)
- Ground-level ozone
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- and Lead
Hazardous air pollutants can be emitted from common household objects, such as disinfectants and paint, and even in offices from copiers and ceiling paneling.
Air pollution – both indoor and outdoor – is estimated to cause 7 million deaths per year, 5.6 million deaths are from noncommunicable diseases and 1.5 million from pneumonia, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Indoor air pollution is something that every household has to deal with and if left untreated it can have potentially fatal health risks.
Indoor Air Pollution Risks
Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.
During the summer and winter months, people tend to stay indoors to escape the extreme weather, and that can lead to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). While SBS creates health concerns that appear linked to the time spent in a building there are no specific illnesses or causes that can be identified.
Symptoms of SBS include headaches, a sore throat, dizziness, and fatigue; usually, people report feeling better immediately after leaving the building where the symptoms were felt. Building Related Illness (BRI) is similar to SBS but is used when the symptoms of the illness experienced are identifiable and can be linked directly to airborne contaminants in the building.
Though the symptoms are similar, the recovery time for BRI may be longer when compared to SBS which has almost no recovery time.
Some health concerns stemming from prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution may last a few days or even show up years later.
Some of these health concerns include respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and changes in lung function; sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia; cardiovascular diseases; adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth; cancer; and even death.
Additionally, indoor pollutants like dust and pollen can wreak havoc on asthma and allergies especially during the summer months. One simple solution to help you negate the negative impacts of air pollution and help you breathe easier is having a dehumidifier.
Reducing Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air quality refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Increasing the air quality in your home reduces health concerns and improves your quality of life.
The Cleveland Clinic has some simple and easy ways you can reduce indoor air pollution, including:
- Avoid smoking indoors
- Use craft and cleaning supplies in well-ventilated areas
- Make sure your gas stove is well-ventilated
- Remove carpeting if possible
- Keep trash covered to avoid attracting pests
- Remove shoes at the door to avoid bringing in pollutants
- Have car emissions tested regularly
- Minimize air freshener use
- Test your home for radon
- Use carbon monoxide detectors
- Fix water leaks
- Dust surfaces and vacuum frequently
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Make sure exhaust fans are functioning in your bathrooms and kitchen
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture
Typically, the most effective way to improve your indoor air quality is to start at the source. Remove anything that contains pollutants like asbestos; please hire a professional as they know the proper way of doing it and ensures that you get rid of all of it. If the source giving you issues is a gas stove or space heater reduce the emissions to improve your air quality.
If you had a water leak or have a musty smell, dust, excess moisture, etc. the best solution is to put a dehumidifier in every room that is giving you problems.
Eva-Dry Dehumidifiers is your Indoor Air Pollution Solution
Eva-Dry dehumidifiers provide a safe, effective way to reduce moisture, mildew and musty odors all over your house around the clock. The E-333 dehumidifier model is a compact unit that fits easily under the kitchen sink, in your bathroom, closet, or bedroom. It absorbs the excess moisture into small silica gel beads without the use of cords or batteries. It is silent as well as non-toxic. As the dehumidifier absorbs the excess moisture it is reducing the chance of mold, mildew, and other harmful bacteria that can cause health risks.
To learn more about how dehumidifiers are the indoor air pollution solution for your home, contact us today or check out our available units that are perfect for your home. Improving your air quality is just a click away.