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Indoor Air Quality Concerns | Tulsa, OK
Because most of the breaths we take each day are inside our own home, unhealthy air in the house can be a real concern. As homes have become more tightly sealed to conserve energy and improve temperature control, airborne irritants and toxins accumulate in this enclosed environment. In fact, the environment inside a home can be more than five times more polluted than outdoor air.
Indoor air pollution may trigger immediate effects, as well as impose long-term health issues. Here are some common contaminants that can contribute to unhealthy air in homes today:
Airborne dust and lint that cause allergic reactions
Toxic insecticides and pesticides
Pet dander
Carpets, upholstery, and other materials that release formaldehyde fumes
Volatile organic compounds from paints, glues, solvents, and building materials
Naturally occurring radon gas
Biological sources including mold, viruses, bacteria, pollen, and dust mites
Combustion byproducts from gas-fired appliances, furnaces, and water heaters
Fortunately, you have options to reduce household pollutants and maintain a more healthy home environment. Here's a sampling to clear the unhealthy air:
Replace the HVAC air filter regularly. The entire air volume inside a home passes through the system air filter multiple times per day.
Utilize vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration, capable of removing more than 99% of dust and other particulates, down to a size of 0.3 microns.
Control indoor humidity. A humid environment breeds biological pollutants such as mold, bacteria, and fungus. Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%.
Schedule annual professional preventive maintenance on gas-fired furnaces and appliances with a qualified HVAC contractor.
Vent the basement properly to remove accumulating radon gas if it's present in your locale.
Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and in bathrooms to remove fumes and water vapor.
Store chemicals including glues, paints, solvents, and pesticides outside the living areas of the home.
Open windows when weather permits to flush the house with fresh outdoor air.
For more strategies to minimize the consequences of unhealthy air inside your home environment, talk to the air-quality professionals at Air Assurance.