Indoor Air Quality

Outdoor air pollution in big cities is a big problem but air pollution can be where you feel safest in your home! Air pollution can come from many normal places such as heating, air conditioning, cooking and cleaning chemicals also water damage where mold can grow and cockroaches and pet dander can cause the spread of indoor pollutants. Many studies show that the air indoors can be even more polluted then outdoors.

Most people spend most of their time indoors and breathing polluted air. People who are inside breathing polluted air are at great risk of developing health problems or have problems made worst by indoor air pollutants especially children and the elderly. So its important to keep you home or office clean and stop potential problems.

Biological pollutants can come from pets, dust mites, cockroaches, molds, bacteria and pollen. It is impossible to get rid of all pollutants. Even the cleanest house or office will contain some form of pollutant. Modern construction techniques, humidifiers and poorly installed or maintained air ducts and heating and cooling devices can promote moisture forming on interior surfaces encouraging the growth of new biological pollutants. Viruses can also be spread more easily indoors especially in crowded conditions

The Effects

We are all exposed to pollutants however the effects depend on the individual the type and the amount of pollutants in the dwelling. While some may not experience any reaction others may become allergic, infectious and may even have a toxic reaction. Except for the spread of infections indoors, allergic reactions may be the most common health problem with indoor air quality in homes and offices. They are often connected with animal dander (mostly from cats and dogs), with house dust mites (microscopic animals living in household dust), and with pollen. Allergic reactions can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening, as in a severe asthma attack. Some common signs and symptoms are, watery eyes, headache, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing, difficulty breathing, Coughing and Itching. Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, such as flu, measles, chicken pox, and tuberculosis, may be spread indoors. Most infectious diseases pass from person to person through physical contact. Crowded conditions with poor air circulation can promote this spread. Some bacteria and viruses thrive in buildings and circulate through indoor ventilation systems. Cleaning to minimize indoor pollutants

Keep your dwelling clean.

Although it is impossible to remove all indoor pollutants keeping your house clean will help prevent the pollutants from being a problem. Remove dust and vacuum regularly. Invest in vacuums using a HEPA filter to keep dust from recirculating in the air. Wash sheets and bedding with hot water weekly. Don't allow moisture to settle in the house clean spills and have leaks repaired. Look for spots on the wall that may suggest mold. Look for rotting building materials. Have your air vents and climate control units inspected and cleaned every few years and replace air filters. Clean refrigerator drip pans as suggested by the manufacture. Keep bathrooms clean, Remove mold from walls and shower curtains. Make sure air filters are working.

Using Cleaners or Pesticides

When using cleaners or pesticides be sure to use proper ventilation. Be carefully to follow directions and not mixing certain chemicals such as bleach and ammonia. Rinse cleaned areas to remove cleaner residue.

Water Damage

After water damage be sure to remove any damaged items such as carpet, carpet padding and in some cases you may need to open up the wall and repair damaged wood and sheet rock. With wood floors boards may need to be replaced. It's recommended that you call a Insurance Damage Services water damage technician to inspect damaged areas immediately. Prolonged contact with water can increase damage and over all cost.