Indoor air pollution affects the health of your family directly. Unfortunately, many individuals pay more attention to outdoor pollution and take indoor air pollution for granted. Below is a compilation of ways that residents of Rockledge, FL, can improve indoor air quality in their homes.

Maintaining Healthy Humidity Levels

High moisture levels greatly favor biological growth. Humid areas are excellent incubators of biological growth and dust mites. These two are well known to worsen or even cause respiratory conditions like asthma.

A good way to ensure that your home is biological growth- and dust mite-free is to maintain the humidity in your rooms at around 30%-50%. Air conditioning systems or dehumidifiers work well in regulating the amount of humidity in your home by reducing the indoor air’s moisture.

HVAC systems are also known to reduce indoor allergens count, such as pollen, which is another plus for individuals who suffer from allergies. Other effective measures to reduce humidity include avoiding over-watering indoor plants and using exhaust fans.

Avoid Smoking in the House at All Costs

Cigarette smoke single-handedly accounts for almost 40% of the air pollution experienced in many homes. Cigarette smoke, according to health experts, is one of the most common air pollutants in homes. Unfortunately, the effects are not only felt by active smokers but everyone on the premises.

The research revealed that cigarette smoke harbors more than 4,000 chemicals that are harmful to our health. Pediatricians also indicate that passive smoking increases the chances of children developing respiratory infections like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and asthma.

Ensure Your Floors Are Clean and Fresh

You can get rid of accumulated allergens and chemical pollutants by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This kind of vacuum is especially useful in reducing lead concentrations and removing toxins and allergens like pollen in homes.

Another good strategy is mopping after you vacuum. This can help eliminate all dust that may have been missed by the vacuuming machine. Mopping with plain water is just as helpful, and you do not need to add the soaps or detergents.

Place a floor mat at every doorstep of your home. Feet track in vast amounts and types of chemical pollutants via dirty shoes into the rooms of your house. A large doormat can come in handy to reduce the amount of dust and other air pollutants that people bring into your house.

Test for Radon

Radon is a common problem found in new and old homes. Radon, an odorless gas, is known for its contribution to the number of lung cancer patients. Breathing in radon increases your likelihood of getting lung cancer and is, in fact, one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the U.S.

Unfortunately, most homes are susceptible to being contaminated with Radon gas. This is because radon is a byproduct of natural decay of uranium in the soil. It seeps up into your rooms through cracks and crevices on the floor of your home.

Testing for the gas is quite inexpensive and does not take more than a few minutes. If radon is discovered after testing, several measures can be taken by the environmental protection agency to reduce or eliminate it.

Avoid Fragrances Where Possible

To smell nice, most products like cleaning agents and soaps have fragrances as a key ingredient. Most fragrances are synthesized from petroleum products. Fragrances are usually only tested for skin irritation and not respiratory irritation or side effects.

Some of the fragrances that have been tested for any significant harmful effects on respiratory systems have raised alarming concerns. Phthalates used in softening plastics are used in developing most fragrances and are known to have harmful side effects on animals.

As much as you pay attention to outdoor air pollution, it is important to pay close attention to your indoor air pollutants. It is equally crucial to reach out to the HVAC experts to assess and service your AC unit

At Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat, we offer AC repair and maintenance services that help keep pollutants at bay. Give us a call today to see how we can help you and to learn more about our indoor air products.

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