Honor National Wellness Month With an Air Quality Check
Not everyone knows this, but August is National Wellness month. It is a time for people around the country to take stock of their lives and brainstorm ways to improve their own health and wellness, as well as the health and wellness of those around them. With this in mind, there is no better time to do an air quality check than now!
At first glance, it may seem unrelated, but air quality is actually a very important facet of health and well-being. Homeowners and their families should understand the basics of indoor air quality, common types of indoor air pollutants, and the health consequences of poor indoor air quality. Keep reading to find out all these answers and more!
Overview of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Starting with a basic overview of indoor air quality, this phrase refers to the state of the air in a certain area or space. Since this discussion revolves around homes, indoor air quality refers to the state of the air contained within the home. If there are many pollutants, then the house has “poor” indoor air quality, which can be a real problem.
Just think about it - even if people are out of their homes all day, they still probably spend 8-10 hours at night in their homes sleeping. So the effects of even just a slight decrease in air quality can have significant consequences over time. Continuously monitoring indoor air quality is a must for all homeowners.
Typical Indoor Air Pollutants
Now that it has been established that pollutants impact indoor air quality let’s go through some of the most common culprits. Dirt and dust commonly accumulate either from the outdoors or because people have not consistently cleaned their home surfaces enough. Pollen can also enter from the outdoors, which can be a real pain for those with allergies, especially if the pollen count is high.
Bacteria, mold, and fungus commonly result from humid conditions or accumulate in areas with a lot of waste (e.g., drains, sinks). Depending on the environment outside the home, there may also be vapors and gases that enter through the windows or doors. Buildups of even just one or two of these pollutants can be extremely detrimental to the air quality inside homes.
Health Consequences of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Why exactly is there such concern around poor indoor air quality? The fact of the matter is that this can have mild to severe health consequences, depending on the circumstances. Some of the more mild ones would be irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat - potentially also headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. Some of the most severe ones include cancers, heart issues, and respiratory diseases due to long-term exposure.
Of course, the most severe outcomes tend to be extreme cases, but the point is that the value of maintaining good indoor air quality should never be underestimated. Homeowners should continuously monitor their indoor air quality to protect their health, the health of their families, and the health of anyone else who comes into their home.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC.
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. of Manchester, NH believes in providing quality residential and commercial HVAC solutions at affordable prices. With the motto of “customized solutions for superior indoor comfort,” their team of trusted technicians provides top-notch workmanship, honest pricing, and unparalleled customer service. Call them for HVAC help today!
