Why Maintaining Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Family’s Health?     

When it comes to discussing air quality, the topic largely involves outdoor pollutants. But indoor pollutants have the potential to impact your family’s health similarly. The various elements in your air can have significant health effects, both short-term and long-term.

Maintaining indoor air quality is just as important as keeping the environment pollution-free. Everyday cleaning supplies, carpets, or even pet dander could contribute to indoor air pollution.

Common Indoor Pollutants and Health Impacts

Asbestos

Asbestos was a common building material widely used up until the early 1980s. It is a fibrous mineral that could help prevent fires. If you live in a house constructed during these time periods, check your drywall, insulation, or ceiling texture for asbestos.

It was found that old and brittle asbestos can release tiny fibers in the air. These fibers could stay suspended in the air and make home in your lungs when you breathe. In the short term, you might have coughs with heavy mucus or breathing difficulty. However, long-term exposure could increase the chances of developing lung cancer and tissue scarring.

Formaldehyde 

Formaldehyde is a material you will find in various products like wood, insulation materials, paints, plywood, paper, fabric softeners, to even cosmetics. Owing to its nature, formaldehyde quickly evaporates and releases into the air.

If you are sensitive to odor, you will have eyes, nose, and throat irritation. Low levels of exposure could lead to symptoms like runny nose, headaches, breathing difficulties. There is evidence that long-term exposure increases the probability of developing cancer.  

Cockroaches or Dust Mites 

Cockroaches can generate allergens in the form of their feces and tiny body fragments. The same goes for dust mites. These small particles could become airborne, and these elements in your air can have significant health effects. 

If you have asthma, breathing difficulties, or weak lungs, these airborne particles could further aggravate the issue. It was also found that breathing these allergens long-term could increase the chances of preschool children developing asthma. 

Dampness and Mold

Dampness and mold together do not bode well for your indoor air quality. Mold needs moisture to continue growing. Excessive moisture indoors could result from leaks, water problems, rains, high humidity areas, or poor ventilation.

Dampness alone could be a breeding ground for bacteria, cockroaches, dust mites, and other insects. Along with mold, it can trigger allergic reactions in your family members. You might notice short-term health effects: nasal congestion, coughing, headaches, sore throats, and sneezing, among others.

Pet Dander

Pets like cats, dogs, and birds shed dead skin cells, fur, and feathers. Saliva, urine, feces could also bring down indoor air quality. In addition, these allergens could become airborne and trigger allergic reactions.

If you are allergic to pets, you might have symptoms like wheezing, watery eyes, rashes, coughing, and chest tightness, among others.

Improve Indoor Air Quality for Your Family’s Health

As can be seen above, various elements in your air can have significant health effects. But there is no need to worry. With proper measures in place, you can improve indoor air quality. Ensure your home is properly ventilated, be aware of the cleaning supplies you buy, clean your home regularly, and explore the option of investing in air purifiers.