Types of Indoor Air Pollution

Volatile organic compounds enter the home through cleaning products, paints, glue, pesticides, hairspray, home printers, and even permanent markers.

No one wants to risk inhaling the bits and parts of debris that enter the home. However, biological contaminants are known to affect the home with indoor air pollutants. Indoor air pollutants can lead to serious health problems, so it is essential to understand the various kinds and how to take necessary precautions to avoid them. This article will help ensure that homeowners are well-informed regarding pollutants.

Here are the indoor air pollution homeowners must be aware of.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive element that works through the earth as a colorless, odorless, invisible, and tasteless gas. It must be ventilated to prevent harmful buildup in the home. Homeowners can hire an HVAC expert to run tests to determine the radon levels and where they are coming from to prevent the spread.

Radon forms when uranium in the water breaks down and forms a harmful gas. This gas will enter the home through even the tiniest cracks in the floors and walls, exterior ventilation, concrete joints, furnaces, and fireplaces.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds enter the home through cleaning products, paints, glue, pesticides, hairspray, home printers, and even permanent markers. It is essential to limit the use of these items to prevent the buildup of VOCs in the home. Talk to an HVAC tech expert to find out more options on how to filter the pollution out of the home.

Nitrogen oxide

Nitrogen oxide and dioxide are products that are formed from poor combustion. They will irritate the lungs and mucous membranes in the mouth and eye region. Like the radon pollutant, nitrogen oxide must be ventilated and removed from the home to avoid serious health risks. Nitrogen oxide sources include stoves, ovens, poorly installed vent appliances, weldings, kerosene heaters, and tobacco smoke.

Particulates

Are alternative sources for heating, such as wood pellets, coal, or a wooden stove, being used in the home? The smoke from these alternatives will be released into the air once used. The particulates from the smoke can fly into the air in the home and enter the lungs. Air purification and filtration will help reduce the particles that may damage the lungs.

Biological air pollutants

One type of biological air pollutant is insect parts. However, the Environmental Protection Agency also mentions viruses, molds, bacteria, pet dander and saliva, hyphae, and mildew spores. The best way to eliminate biological contaminants is through proper air filtration in the HVAC system.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, heavy, yet invisible gas that has the power to kill and wreak havoc. CO detectors will alert homeowners immediately, but even with a flawless furnace, these units can release CO in the home. If CO has been detected in the home, evacuation is necessary, and it is essential to contact an HVAC expert to ensure proper sealing.

Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.