Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution – Optimized for Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution can pose a threat to the health and well-being of you and your family. Poor air quality can wreak havoc on weakened immune systems, allergies, and cause a myriad of health problems if not maintained. Read further to learn more about some common sources of indoor air pollution and how you can maintain a healthy home.

Paint

There are many types of paint available in today’s age that is much safer than oil paints because they emit fewer chemicals and fumes. However, all paints emit some amount of chemicals and fumes, especially as they dry over time. Paint strippers can also cause air pollution for the same reasons. If your home needs to be painted, be sure to keep all the windows and doors open during painting and use latex based paints to decrease the amount of indoor air pollution.

Cigarettes and Tobacco

If you thought the health risks of smoking were all of the dangers associated with the use of tobacco, think again. Smoking tobacco and cigarettes can be a major source of indoor air pollution. Even though the smoke is inhaling the fumes, there are still plenty of the fumes that are let out into the surrounding air and environment. If you or someone in your home is a tobacco user, be sure that smoking is not allowed in the home as to not expose others to the fumes. This rule should apply to guests also.

Heaters

Any type of heating device can be a cause of indoor air pollution. Examples include stoves, ovens, space heaters, fireplaces, and chimneys. Any heating device that produces heat, especially with the use of gas, can create carbon monoxide throughout the home. It is extremely important to maintain your heating equipment and keep a working carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert you to high levels of carbon monoxide.

Pesticides

While pesticides can be helpful in getting rid of pesky bugs and critters, they are also a leading cause of indoor air pollution. Pesticides are simply a mixture of harmful chemicals that are sprayed in areas where bugs reside, with the intention of eliminating those bugs. As a result, the air quality is reduced by the chemicals that were released into the air. And just because the pesticides are sprayed outdoors doesn’t mean they can’t reach the inside of your home through an open door or window.