Common Indoor Air Pollutants: And What You Can Do About Them

Indoor air pollutants can significantly affect your health and that of your family members.

What are the common indoor air pollutants?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs):
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCS, are chemicals that can accumulate in a home with inadequate ventilation. Some sources of VOC include: 

●       Paints and varnishes.

●       Cleaning products.

●       Carpets and vinyl flooring.

The short-term impact of VOCS may include:

●       Skin reactions.

●       Headaches and dizziness.

●       Intensification of asthma symptoms.

●       Respiratory irritation.

Long-term exposure can damage the kidney, liver, or central nervous system or cause cancer.

Particulate matter (PM):
Particulate matter or PM is fine particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander that, when present indoors, can penetrate deep into the lungs, aggravating allergies and asthma.

Some sources of PM include:

●       Vacuuming.

●       Entering outdoor pollution indoors.

Mold and Mildew:
Mold and mildew are fungi that accumulate in poorly ventilated, damp environments like the basement and bathroom, causing allergies and respiratory issues.

Secondhand smoke:
Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of respiratory issues like asthma, aggravate allergies and ear infections, and even cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies.

Carbon monoxide and radon:
Carbon monoxide and radon, a radioactive gas, can accumulate in your home from faulty heaters, causing dizziness and other health risks.

How to improve the indoor air quality in your home?
The indoor air quality of homes can be improved by increasing the indoor ventilation. There are two main approaches.

Natural ventilation:
You can improve your home ventilation by opening the door and windows to let the fresh outdoor air come in. It is a simple and effective solution, but it can be limited by external weather conditions and outdoor air quality.

Mechanical ventilation:  

Install a whole house fan:
A whole house fan offers a natural and cost-effective form of ventilation. It works by replacing the indoor stale air with the outside fresh air. The fans work effectively by:

●       Reducing moisture from your home, preventing mold and mildew.

●       Remove indoor pollutants and trapped chemicals.

●       Save energy by reducing the reliance on air conditioners.

Add a garage exhaust fan and attic fan:
Garages and attics are enclosed spaces that can trap air pollutants if not well-ventilated. Installing garage exhaust fans and attic fans can improve airflow in those areas, improving overall indoor air quality.

To know more about how a whole house fan can improve the indoor air quality of your home, contact us here at WholeHouseFan.com at: 1-661-775-5979.