Could the Air in Your Home be Making You Sick?

The quality of your indoor air has great potential to impact your physical health. The Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as one of the top-five health concerns in the U.S., and regular studies show that in many areas, indoor air is up to twenty times as polluted as the outdoor air!If you’re worried that the quality of your indoor air may be why you’re always sick, read on.
Common Health Effects of Polluted Indoor Air
Indoor air can be polluted by a variety of particulates and gasses. Dust, mites, asbestos, phthalates, radon, and other irritants can pose immediate and long term health risks; here are a few of the most common physical symptoms that your air may be contaminated:
Coughing
Eye Irritation
Sneezing/Wheezing
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Headaches
Respiratory congestion
Asthma
Nosebleeds
Muscle pain
How Serious Are the Health Risks?
Some indoor air pollution is immediately dangerous, such as air contaminated with carbon monoxide gas. Other pollutants and particulate matter have been linked to long term health concerns such as heart disease and even cancer.
For most people, poor indoor air quality manifests in a constant state of ill health. Asthma and allergy sufferers may find their symptoms worsening in a polluted environment. People living in a home with bad air may experience more colds and more days in which they suffer from symptoms like as headaches and nasal congestion. If you suspect your air may be making you sick, be sure to talk to your doctor about a treatment plan.
What Can You Do to Improve Your Indoor Air?
For particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, clean indoor air is a necessity. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do that will immediately and consistently improve the air in your home. Having your home’s HVAC system inspected by a professional at least twice a year is a good first step in identifying clogs, CO2 leaks, and more. It’s also critical to change your air filters regularly, preferably once a month.
Looking for a more comprehensive solution? Indoor air purification technology has come a long way. HEPA filters remove a large percentage of particulate matter from indoor air, as do electrostatic air cleaners. Whole-home air purification systems are more affordable than ever, and many are equipped with additional features such as humidifiers and bacteria-killing UV lights. Talk to your HVAC provider about your options for improving your indoor air.
MTB Mechanical works often with homeowners seeking to improve the air they breathe. Here in Charlotte, pollutants like dust, pollen, and bacteria are making people sick in their own homes, but they don’t have to. Contact our team today to talk about your options for better air.