Indoor Air Quality: 4 Common Air Quality Pollutants
Which pollutants are responsible for your indoor air quality and which can make you ill.
Cold and flu season is never over, especially this year. Although we are approaching Spring, we have seen new contaminants which combined with normally seasonal allergies, complicate air quality. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports that are over 1 billion cases of influenza each year. Children and the elderly are the highest affected groups.
In Southeast Texas, HVAC units are used year around. If those systems have not been properly maintained and they are beginning to come into the most active season of the year. A good first defense to maintaining healthy lungs is providing the highest indoor air quality possible.
Combatting Viruses, Cold and Flu Season begins with know what you are fighting against. Here are the top four air pollutants that can make you sick.
Mold Spores: Mold can do extensive damage to your home and cause serious health issues if not addressed. Extended exposure to mold spores can develop serious respiratory issues such as asthma, sinus infections and inflammations, and respiratory infections. If mold is left untreated, increased temperatures and humidity can cause serious damage to your home’s carpet, drywall, wood, flooring, and home furnishings.
Dust Mites: Dust mites are microscopic organisms that produce major allergic reactions. Dust mites live on our hair follicles and dry skin which accumulates on bed linens, furniture, and home furnishings. Dust mites can number in the billions that are trapped inside your home.
Bacteria: Bacteria are found literally everywhere. Bacteria can lead to respiratory infections that can range from mild irritations to life-threatening. Bacteria can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and infections in highly concentrated cases. Air quality related bacterial issues include inflammation of the nose, throat, sinuses and lungs.
Viruses: The CDC has identified over one hundred different types of viruses that can cause the common cold. The flu is caused by influenza type viruses A, B, and C. They are no longer considered just seasonal outbreaks. Many viruses mutate and transform themselves into new strains to avoid immunity and fight against vaccine protection. That is why you get a yearly flu shot. The vaccine no longer prevents the flu.
How To Have Better Indoor Air Quality
These pollutants tuck themselves away on your countertops, your floors, table surfaces, and in your ductwork. Air purification systems do a great job in fighting these pollutants. Research HVAC filter options to find allergen resistant options. Look for MERV 11 and 13 ratings are rated to capture influenza viruses before they enter into your home’s HVAC system. One of the most effective things you can do is to schedule an air quality test by Doctor Cool & Professor Heat to assess your indoor air quality.
