Can The Air In Your House Be Making You Sick?

The quality of the air we breathe is vital to our health. Accordingly, government regulations are set for air quality in outdoor environments and inside the workplace to protect us. But what about the one place we spend more time in than other locations, our homes? The truth is, no such laws exist to protect you in your own house. You're on your own when you're home, and the responsibility for ensuring this critical need is yours alone.

If that sounds a little daunting, it's about to get worse. The EPA estimates that the average person spends a staggering 90% of their time indoors, and a considerable portion of that is spent at home. Meanwhile, studies show that the average home's air quality is alarmingly poor, containing as much as five times outdoor air pollutants.

Air quality is an aspect of our homes that we typically don't pay much attention to, and those numbers evidence our casual disregard. So, what does it mean, exactly? In short, if you are not already taking steps to do something about it, the chances of your home's air quality eventually making you sick is not just possible; it's probable. Here are some of the causes of poor indoor air quality and the health issues we face because of it.

Causes And Common Contaminants

Multiple factors inside the home can lead to poor air quality. Environmental and agricultural influences are contributors as well as pets, our habits, and life in general. The use of chemicals, cleaning agents, pesticides, candles, and fireplaces play their part, too. These contributing elements converge in one specific way: They collect inside your HVAC system. Your air ducts and vents are, by far, the leading source of air pollutants inside your home.

Common contaminants found in air ducts include pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, mildew, fungi, and more. As time goes by, these contaminants accumulate, leaving you more and more vulnerable to the many illnesses they are known to cause.

Health Problems From Poor Indoor Contaminates

Perhaps the worst part of having poor air quality is that there are no obvious signs. Even if there are odors, you probably won't smell them because humans develop nose blindness to the things they constantly inhale throughout their day. Have you ever left home for a few days, come back, and then noticed odors, but somehow, they magically fade away after a bit of time passes? That's nose blindness and the reason why it's so easy for us to be oblivious to our air quality issues. However, there are still clues in the form of health problems that you or your family might be experiencing.

Frequent colds or chronic symptoms are often caused by poor air quality, including coughing, throat irritation, sneezing, congestion, fever, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Respiratory infections like sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia also tend to be frequent and recurring. Allergies may also be caused or worsened by air quality issues. Dust, dust mites, pollen, and dander are the most common allergens we experience, and they are being circulated through your air ducts.

Asthma and other pulmonary conditions are typically related to air quality, too. Mold alone is a huge problem as it often contains dangerous toxins. Skin conditions like eczema and generally dry, itchy skin may also be caused or worsened by contaminants in your air. Other serious health threats have been linked to indoor air pollution, including stroke, heart disease, COPD, and cancer. Weakened immune systems can also result from poor air quality, making it harder for your body to fight illnesses.

The Solution to Indoor Air Quality Issues

The World Health Organization warns us that indoor air pollution is a dangerous, ever-increasing problem and the cause of countless diseases and deaths yearly. If you don't take this issue seriously, the repercussions are unthinkable. But the good news is that you can do something about it, and the solution is not complicated. It's air duct cleaning. If you want to improve your home's air quality, the best thing you can do is have your air ducts cleaned and maintained regularly. It might just be the most important action you take as a homeowner because your family's health and well-being are at stake. However, you cannot do it yourself. Air duct cleaning is a service performed by professionals.

Professional Air Duct Cleaning By Donald's Duct Cleaning

Your best choice is Donald's Duct Cleaning when you need a pro. We may have a cute name, but we're no quacks. We provide superior quality duct cleaning services to Macomb and Oakland Counties, affordable prices, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today for a free estimate.