Common Indoor Air Problems and Their Solutions
Poor quality air is something we all have to deal with on a daily basis. While there isn’t much that can be done about smog and pollution, we can take steps to ensure the air in our home is as clean and healthy as possible. Your house, on the other hand, should be your sanctuary from the stresses of the world. Unfortunately, environmental pollutants may be negatively impacting your health at home, whether you’re relaxing in front of the TV or cooking a meal for the family.
Home Pollutants
The first step to improving indoor air quality is to be aware of all the things that are affecting your health. Common home pollutants include:
Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew grow in overly-humid environments. Because we have a tendency to keep our homes tightly sealed, places like basements and cellars are all prone to mold infestation. Mold is an allergen that aggravates many people, causing eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, coughing and asthma attacks.
Pollen
Particularly in the spring and summer, pollen is a serious problem for many allergy sufferers. Symptoms of a pollen reaction include sneezing, watery eyes, congestion and coughing. Pay attention to the pollen count in your area, and take extra precautions at home when levels are high.
Pet dander
Pet dander is a particularly tricky problem in many homes because its small size makes it very hard to filter out effectively. For people with sensitivities to it, pet dander can cause home comfort problems including respiratory infections, eczema, and itchy and watery eyes.
Dust mites
Where there’s dust, there are dust mites. Invisible to the naked eye, dust mites that thrive in humid environments can cause runny noses and itchy eyes, and can also trigger asthma attacks.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in paints, pesticides, certain cleaning products and other household items. VOCs evaporate in water and can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to kidney failure.
Clean Air Indoors with RSC Heating & Air Conditioning
For comprehensive protection against a range of indoor environmental pollutants, RSC Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We carry the top-of-the-line RGF Phi Cell, an indoor air purifier that uses non-toxic light, water and oxygen to rid your home of viruses, bacteria, mold and odors. The Phi Cell is energy efficient, quiet and can be attached to your existing ventilation system — contact RSC Heating & Air Conditioning for more information!