While some indoor air pollutants originate outdoors, a great deal of it emanates from common indoor sources and everyday activities.
In a tightly-sealed, energy-efficiency home, you likely have a concentrated dose of pollutants in the air since it’s undiluted by ventilation with fresh outdoor air. This is a great reason you should be aware of these common sources of indoor air pollution:
Interior Paint
If your home was constructed prior to the late 1970s, have the interior tested for leaded paint, a known source of hazardous indoor air pollution. Even contemporary indoor paint may leech gaseous VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into indoor air until it fully cures. When repainting, select low-VOC or non-VOC paints. Dilute indoor air with fresh air ventilation after any kind of new paint fresh paint is applied.
Carpeting
Most carpets contain formaldehyde, a common VOC. Carpets can also be a source of inorganic airborne particulates in the form of tiny fibers that may trigger allergic responses in some individuals. Vacuum frequently with HEPA-filtered vacuums and choose VOC-free carpets.
Cleaning Solutions
Even everyday cleaning products may contain toxic substances and allergens. In many cases, simple substitutes, like vinegar and baking soda, are a better, hypo-allergenic alternative. Also, be careful with chlorine bleach, which can form poisonous gas if mixed with ammonia or vinegar, as well as common, brand-name pesticides that are toxic in sufficient concentrations.
Furniture and Woodwork
Formaldehyde gas can accumulate to unhealthy concentrations in well-sealed, under-ventilated homes. This gas is released from glues utilized in furniture, cabinets and some wood construction materials. Research online sources to find formaldehyde-free wood products and furniture brand names that incorporate non-VOC glues.
Cooking and HVAC equipment
Have gas-fired stoves and furnaces checked annually by an HVAC professional for proper combustion and venting. They should also verify that carbon monoxide and other levels of combustion by-products are within safe limits.
For more information about recognizing and reducing sources of indoor air pollution in Lorain and Erie Counties, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air pollution and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
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Serving the Lorain, OH Area