Are Indoor Pollutants Affecting You and Your Family?

It’s been another hot summer, and you’ve probably been running your home AC system daily to beat the heat. However, though you might be beating the heat, you might be doing something harmful, as well.

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that indoor air can be more polluted than even the outdoor air in a large, industrialized metropolis. And if you stay inside a lot, like so many people do during the hot, humid Texas summer, this can be a significant risk to you and your family. What’s worse, some indoor pollutants are more harmful than outdoor ones, causing you to suffer from a range of issues: allergy and/or asthma symptoms, breathing problems, or even several forms of cancer.

Let’s take a look at what’s going on indoors at your place.

Biological contaminants

Mold, mildew, dust, pollen, dust mites, and animal dander can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially if they are inside your home AC system and being circulated through your home when it’s on. Keep your floors, vents, walls, clothing, and linens clean to reduce your risks.

New plastic products

You may not be able to pronounce phthalates, but they are emitted by products with polyvinyl chloride and are linked to hormone and reproductive problems. Plastics also emit flame-retardant chemicals connected to behavioral issues. Proper ventilation helps limit these adverse effects.

Carbon monoxide

Stoves, heaters, and fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and fatigue if your ventilation is bad. Prolonged exposure at one time can lead to death. In addition to proper ventilation, have the Texas AC Specialist inspect your furnace or boiler to ensure that it’s working properly.

Household products

Air fresheners, pesticides, and cleaners give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause dizziness, headaches, or nausea. Paints and paint strippers also emit VOCs, even though latex paints are better than oil-based ones.Anytime you turn on your home AC system, you could be circulating invisible, harmful VOCs throughout your home. To mitigate any adverse effects, make sure your home has proper ventilation with open doors and windows as well as fans blowing air.

Home furnishings and building materials

Upholstered furniture, wall paneling, and building products made from particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard can contain the carcinogen formaldehyde, which can also cause rashes, wheezing, coughing, and inflammation of your eyes, nose, and throat.Good ventilation helps, as does replacing some of your furniture or wood products with formaldehyde-free ones.