What is indoor air quality? Simply put, it is the quality of the air that you breathe on the interior of your home. Indoor air quality refers directly to the air quality that is contained within or around your home and the impact it has on the health and comfort of your family. It is important for homeowners to be aware of specific indoor pollutants and how they can control them in their efforts to minimize risks of indoor health problems.
Various indoor air pollutants can have serious effects on both your health and safety. Causing problems and concerns from short-term eye, throat and nose irritations, to headaches, fatigue and dizziness, the effects are diverse. In addition, air pollutants can enhance the effects of asthma, and, over time, can lead to respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. For these reasons, homeowners need to be able to identify indoor air quality threats and control them. The folks here at South Nashville Heating and Cooling want to take this time to familiarize our clients with the top 5 biggest threats to indoor air quality today.
Carbon Monoxide – This is an odorless, invisible gas that can stop your body from using oxygen necessary to function properly. When carbon monoxide is present, you can experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, tiredness and confusion. Further, if the levels of carbon monoxide are extremely high it can result in death.
Radon – Radon is also an odorless and colorless gas. It can be found everywhere and typically in low levels. Exposure to elevated levels of radon can, over time, lead to high risks of lung cancer.
Nitrogen dioxide – Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that is both corrosive and toxic. Low level exposure to nitrogen dioxide can impair your respiratory tract and lung function. It can adversely affect those with chronic lung disease or even asthma. Moderate exposure to this odorless gas can lead to acute or chronic bronchitis. When exposed to very large doses of nitrogen dioxide you may experience pulmonary edema or even lung injury.
Secondhand Smoke – Also referred to as environmental tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke contains well over 4700 chemical ingredients. Short term exposure can cause eye, nose, and various throat irritations. Long-term exposure, however, can cause all types of health problems, including consistent wheezing, pneumonia, severe bronchitis and even lung cancer. Secondhand smoke will almost always trigger asthma attacks as well.
Lead Particles – Though lead is a natural soft metal, it is very toxic if it is consumed. Lead particles and dust can easily become airborne and will ultimately lead to dangerous indoor air pollution in your home. This type of air pollution is quite harmful to you and your family members. Exposure to lead can lead to very serious problems, including brain damage as well as damage to your nervous system, kidneys, and your red blood cells. The risks to younger children are abundant as well. They can develop short attention spans, minimized IQ levels, serious behavioral problems and even delayed growth.
The experts here at South Nashville Heating and Cooling take tremendous pride in the happiness and well-being of all our valued Nashville-area clients. For that reason we wanted to share this important information and insight about your home’s Indoor Air Quality. We have been recognized in the industry as one of the best all-around heating and cooling service providers in all of Nashville. With this recognition, we remain steadfast in maintaining our industry presence and to adding to the comfort and safety of all our clients. For that reason, reach out to our specialists and schedule your in-home inspection today. Let us ensure that the Indoor Air Quality of your home is up to standards while ensuring the functionality and efficiency of your home heating system as well.
