Reasons for Indoor Air Pollution
Odor DetectorIndoor air can be polluted in many ways. Considering how much time we spend in our office, home or other buildings, it goes without saying that these pollutants can have adverse effects on our health.
Indoor Temperature
The temperature and humidity of a building can pose health risks. High humidity can aid in the growth of mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria which can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, or make it worse.
The opposite condition, low humidity, can also pose problems, including dry skin, sore throat, and respiratory problems
Gas Problems
Carbon monoxide poses a particularly scary problem, simply because it is a colorless gas that you cannot smell. That means you need to know the symptoms. Or better yet, consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector that will set off an alarm if you have dangerous levels in your home. You should also install exhaust fans over your gas stove for proper ventilation.
There are many potential sources for carbon monoxide, including tobacco smoke, unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces. Other possibilities include gas stoves, generators and other gasoline-powered equipment such as exhaust from your car.
Kerosene heaters, unvented gas stoves and heaters can be a source of nitrogen dioxide. Small-scale health problems may include eye, nose, and throat irritation. But high levels or long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide increases your risk of respiratory infection. There is even evidence that exposure to heavy or long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide could lead lung disease such as emphysema.
Bad Ventilation
Besides all of the ways indoor air can be polluted, if a building is not well ventilated, that can intensify the problem since outdoor air can't help dilute the pollutants in the building. Proper ventilation is particularly difficult in the cold months of winter when windows are rarely opened.
Bad Indoor Air Remedies
There are two main ways you can remedy polluted indoor air. You can improve ventilation. When weather permits, this can be done by simply opening windows and/or doors. Bathroom and kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors can also remove contaminants.
The most economical choice is to control the pollutants at the source. That's because increased ventilation, while an effective means of cleaning your air, also means an increase in your utility bills. Gas stoves can be adjusted to decrease emissions. Some other sources of indoor pollution can be sealed off.
Lastly, there is also the option of using air cleaners. There are many types of air cleaners available, so you need to do your due diligence. Not all are efficient in collecting pollutants from indoor air.
With over 50 years of combined experience, Clark County Mechanical provides solutions for saving you money on your home heating and cooling bills in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas. Clark County Mechanical employs certified journeyman technicians and installers who can provide you with the best heating and air conditioning service and products available at your home and business.