Mold and pollen, tobacco smoke, fumes from household cleaners…. Indoor air pollution is a real thing, and it can be dangerous. How do you know if the air in your home is unhealthy? Here are a few things to consider:
- Can you smell mildew or mold?
- Is anyone smoking indoors?
- Are all of your fuel-burning appliances, such as a gas stoves or fireplaces, properly vented to the outdoors?
- Do you have leaks in your home? Standing water?
- Have you tested for Radon?
- Is the humidity in your house above 50%?
- Do you use air fresheners or other chemicals that give off fumes?
If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to take steps to reduce the air pollution in your home. Contaminated air can be cause for concern for a number of reasons. At the very least, it can cause discomfort and unpleasant odors. At the worst, it can exacerbate or even trigger respiratory illnesses in children, the elderly, and any family members with weakened immune systems. In some cases, these symptoms may not show up for years and can lead to very serious conditions, such as respiratory diseases or cancer. It sounds dire, but reducing the air pollution in your home isn’t nearly as bad or as expensive as it sounds.
Following these simple solutions can dramatically improve the air quality in your home:
- Install an air filtration system and service it regularly.
- Fix any leaks, and repair any water damage or dampness in your home. Install a dehumidifier in your basement and monitor humidity levels throughout the house, keeping them under 50%.
- Refrain from smoking indoors.
- Routinely check for radon gas with a test kit or through a professional inspection.
- Make sure your appliances are properly ventilated.
- Clean your vents and filters regularly.
- Ditch the chemical cleaners and choose products with reduced amounts of flammable ingredients, unnatural fragrances, and irritants.
- Remove carpeting, if possible.
- Dust, vacuum, and mop regularly.
- Call Appel for an assessment of your home’s indoor air quality! 317.846.0434 or 844.MY.APPEL