| By :
Nick Messe
Most people spend a majority of their time indoors. Maintaining indoor air quality in your home is important. With such a keen focus on outdoor air quality, it is understandable that little attention is given to the air we breathe indoors. Frequently, this air supply contains dust particles, foreign debris, mold, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can cause harmful short-term and long-term health issues. These issues are frequently blamed on other factors, such as fatigue, physical or mental illness and even old age. The root cause is often overlooked leading to misdiagnoses and improper treatments. Exposure to poor indoor air quality often causes eye, nose, and throat irritation. Inhaling contaminated air can lead to complaints of headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and asthma. Longer term exposure has been known to lead to cancer, liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. These risk factors are increased in infants, children, asthmatics, and those with immune deficiencies. Even air relatively clear of volatile organic compounds and particles may still be unsafe to breathe. Humidity is a key factor in developing harmful mold colonies indoors. Mold thrives in moist humid air. It often collects in damp, dark cracks, corners and crevices. Mold can even collect in a home ventilation system. While there is reason for concern, there are ways for homeowners and renters to remedy poor indoor air quality. Most importantly, fresh air from adequate ventilation is necessary to improve air quality. In most instances, outdoor air is cleaner than the air we breathe indoors. That is true because there is often poor circulation and filtering in the enclosed living spaces. Improper ventilation leads to air quality degradation. Poorly maintained air conditioning and ventilation systems can even increase the danger they are designed to prevent. Another way to improve quality is to change behavior. Reducing the amount of cleaning solutions, and commonly used household chemicals present in the home will make a difference. This will reduce many volatile organic compounds in the air. Open windows to increase air flow when possible. Purchase and maintain quality air cleaning and conditioning appliances. Inspect the home for mold. Vacuum rugs and dust furniture regularly. Consult a qualified air conditioning contractor. These professionals can recommend, sell and install air conditioning and air cleaning products to treat and maintain healthy indoor air quality conditions. The temptation to do-it-yourself, or choose the quickest, cheapest or most compact cleaning and conditioning equipment may do more harm than good. Proper air treatment requires more than compact, single-room, table-top conditioners or cleaners. A professional can test air conditions and recommend and install appropriate equipment to filter the particles present in that specific location. Air cleaners should be teamed with efficient, effective ventilation equipment that does the best job for the occupant's needs and budget. Air cleaners and conditioners are not all alike. A knowledgeable technician can select, and install equipment that is tailored to specific locations, contaminants, and health needs of customers. All of these are critical factors in choosing the best solution.
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