Indoor air pollution is a significant concern for homeowners and businesses alike. Knowing which pollutants are most common and how they may affect your health is important. In this blog by Koala T Carpet Cleaning, we will discuss the four most common indoor air pollutants that can negatively affect Colorado homes.
1. Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is a major cause of lung cancer. It forms from the decay of uranium in rocks throughout the earth’s crust and can enter homes through cracks in floors and walls, basement drains, and building materials.
Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without testing. If your home tests positive, there are some ways to reduce its levels:
- Improve ventilation: Make sure that your home has good ventilation. You can open windows, install fans or vents, or use a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to improve the airflow.
- Seal any cracks: Patch any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation or walls.
- Install and maintain a radon mitigation system: This system involves installing a vent pipe and fan in your home to draw the air containing the radon gas from beneath the foundation and exhaust it outdoors.
2. Tobacco Smoke
Secondhand smoke is another common indoor air pollutant that can negatively impact your health. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. Exposure to cigarette smoke has been linked to cancer, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular disease.
Even if you are not a smoker, if someone in your home or office smokes, the effects on your health can be just as severe. A Colorado carpet cleaning business can help by offering sofa cleaning, rug washing, and other services to remove tobacco smoke residues from furniture and carpeting, reducing the overall level of indoor air pollution.
3. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning fuel. It is common in homes with gas appliances, such as stoves, ovens, and furnaces. Exposure to CO can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even death.
Installing CO detectors in your home and having your appliances checked regularly by a professional is crucial. Make sure this expert also cleans the air ducts and vents. These efforts help reduce the accumulation of dust and debris that can affect the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system, resulting in a lower risk of CO buildup.
4. Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases that are released into the air by solids and liquids. They are found in various household products, including paint, cleaning supplies, and furniture.
VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Here are some steps you can take to reduce VOCs in your home:
- Use low-VOC or VOC-free paints when painting your walls or furniture.
- Use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda for cleaning.
- Look for furniture made from natural materials rather than synthetic materials.
- Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clean the air inside your home.
- Increase ventilation in your home by opening windows, using a fan or air conditioner, or installing a ventilation system.
- Use plant-based air purifiers such as spider plants, Boston ferns, and bamboo palms to reduce the amount of VOCs in the air.
- Avoid air fresheners or synthetic scents, which can be high in VOCs.
Indoor air pollution can have severe consequences for your health. Koala T Carpet Cleaning can clean your carpets, furniture, tile, and grout to remove these toxins that have settled in your home. Contact Koala T Carpet Cleaning today if you need assistance removing air pollutants from your Colorado home!