Indoor Air Quality - What's It Worth to You?

Indoor air quality is a major concern these days because scientists have proven that in some cases the air inside our homes and offices may actually be more polluted than that of the largest cities. Since many of us spend the largest portion of our time inside, indoor air pollution can cause serious harm to our health. Once upon a time, concern about the air quality indoors was limited mostly to places with resident smokers. While the number of places that allow indoor smoking decrease - worries about air quality and air pollutants are definitely on the rise. These days, with outgassing from construction materials, "sick" buildings, dust, external pollutants, and other forms of modern air pollution, indoor air can be much less healthy than outdoor air.

Indoor air pollutants - what's the big deal?

In the last forty years, we've made tremendous strides toward cleaning up the pollution in our natural environment. We've done such a good job, in fact, that the quality of indoor air is now substantially worse than outdoor air quality. Smoke is made up of noxious gases and tiny soot particles which are both notably bad types of pollutants. Cooking leaves not only odors but more gases and soot in the air. Then there's pet dander and everyday dust, a good portion of which originates from our skin and the pollutants we bring in on our clothes. There are many other causes of indoor pollution and many people do not realize these harmful impurities can cause or enhance the following:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Malaise
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Fevers
• Coughing
• Chest tightness

How can I improve my air quality indoors?

The bottom line is that doing whatever it takes to improve the air quality in your home is something that can not be associated with a cost. A home air filtration system can remove 99% or more of the impurities in the air. Other ways to cut down on the pollutants is to make sure you have decent, HEPA-quality filters in your central heating and air condition system. Changing the filters in your furnace regularly can also help because they process much of your home's air in the winter when the house remains more closed up. Replacing or thoroughly cleaning old carpeting, throw rugs, and bedding can also help keep dust, dander and other impurities in check.