You Can Do Something about Indoor Air Pollution
Tips for maintaining air quality in the home
As you read this, you are breathing in and out. And you may not know that with every breath you take, you are inhaling a mixture of particles and contaminants that can potentially be harmful to your health. Fortunately, when it comes to your home – the place you spend the most time – there are steps that can be taken to help you breathe easier.
"People simply assume the air in their homes is pure, but all too often that is far from the case," said John Fisher, owner of SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County. "Dirty air ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout homes, resulting in a variety of health conditions ranging from mild to severe."
According to Fisher, there are some contaminants, such as certain types of mold, which occur naturally in the environment and are actually harmless in small concentrations. Other pollutants, however, can and should be avoided. Fisher recommends the following tips for safeguarding homes against dangerous airborne contaminants:
· Control moisture – Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. Take steps to correct any water leaks or standing water, including water under cooling coils of air handling units. If humidifiers are used, make sure they are properly maintained.
· Clean and replace filters – It is recommended that air conditioning filters be cleaned or replaced as frequently as every month. Some filters can easily be hosed off or rinsed in the sink. Fiberglass filters, however, can't be reused but can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
· Inspect ducts – If necessary, hire a professional to assess the condition of your home's ductwork, the airways that transfer the hot and cold air throughout your house. Ducts can be brushed and vacuumed and air can be filtered through a HEPA filtration system in order to help ensure optimum decontamination.
"In certain circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning may be an important step to restoring the air to a clean condition," added Fisher. "In these cases, a professional should be employed to restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-loss condition."
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that, on average, people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, with 65 percent of this time being spent at home. Unfortunately, the ones who are home the most – children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses – are often the most susceptible to indoor air pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes possible health effects from indoor air pollution include irritation of the eyes, nose or throat and also result in headaches or dizziness. Anyone currently living with these conditions, should consider assessing the quality of air in their homes.
For more information contact John Fisher or Greg Gunther at 704-793-1488.
About SERVPRO
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO franchise system is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. All SERVPRO Franchises are independently owned and operated. |
