What Indoor Pollutants Affect Air Quality?
Indoor air quality is the quality of air in your home, office, school or another building. The possible effect indoor air quality can have on human health can be notable. One reason especially is individuals in the U.S. spend around 90 percent on average of their time inside where pollutant concentrations are frequently two to five times higher than the normal outdoor pollutant concentrations.
But, which indoor pollutants do you need to be concerned about?
Indoor Pollutants that Affect Air Quality
There are many types of indoor pollutants that can impact your indoor air quality. Some include:
Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless gas that heaters and appliances that burn oil, natural gas, kerosene, wood or propane produce. It’s also a huge component of car exhaust.
Radon: A colorless, odorless radioactive gas derived from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It may seep through a home’s floors, walls and foundations through cracks. You also can find it in water.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS): This is made of over 3,800 various chemical compounds.
Molds: Needs moisture to grow and can often be found in refrigerators, damp basements, mattresses, air conditioners, carpeting, behind walls (if there is a chronic water leak), under ceiling panels and humidifiers.
Pesticides: Residues of certain pesticides volatize after applying and could concentrate at floor level.
Solvents: Household cleaners, glues, arts and crafts supplies, degreasers, flooring, furniture, particle board and “off-gassing from new carpet installation.
Some pollutants can cause health issues like headaches, sore eyes, burning noses and so forth. Some can have long-term health repercussions, while others can exacerbate health problems like allergies and asthma. Therefore, it’s important to keep your indoor air as clean as possible.
How a Whole House Fan Can Control Indoor Air Pollutants
A whole house fan can help improve indoor air quality by drawing the outdoor air in. It eliminates indoor air pollutants and stale indoor air. Ventilation from whole house fans can also help limit indoor moisture build-up, which as you know contributes to mold growth.
Whole house fans are not only designed to create better cooling, ventilation and air circulation, they also are very effective and energy-efficient. While there are various forms of whole house fans, they often have filters, helping to keep outdoor air pollutants from getting into homes. So, you’re provided with better indoor air quality while keeping out outdoor pollutants.
Review our selection of whole house fans, then give us a call at 1.888.229.5757 if you have any questions.