If you are unsure about the air quality in your home or office, then you may want to consider taking the time to run a quality indoor air test. But before that, we need to understand the types of indoor air pollutants present in the air.
There are numerous reasons why you would want to monitor the air quality in your building, including your own health, pets, and even the longevity of your electronics. It is important that you look for a reputable company serving your area to make sure that whoever comes out is qualified to do so.
Table of Contents
ToggleAlso check: How To Get Rid Of Mold & Mildew In Your House All Year Round
Common Type of Indoor Air Pollutants
In your home, you may be exposed to mold, radon, second-hand tobacco smoke, asbestos fibers, lead dust, cockroaches, and fleas. You can control most of the indoor pollutants in your home by identifying them and taking steps to eliminate or reduce their presence.
Biological Pollutants
Biological pollutants are responsible for allergies and asthma in today’s fast-paced world. They cause structural damage to your home or office building, and can even lead to cancer. They can be found in almost any indoor environment, making it essential to understand how they affect allergy sufferers.
Biological pollutants include mold, dander, pollen, dust mites, and bacteria. They enter your home through air vents and heating and air conditioning units. When they settle on your furniture and carpeting, they can be tracked into other rooms with every step you take.
Chemical Pollutants
The EPA defines chemical pollutants as all the chemicals released into a home, office, or any other indoor space from cleaning products, personal care products, furniture, and flooring. These pollutants can be harmful to your health and even life-threatening.
There are many types of chemical pollutants that come from chemicals used in paint and construction materials. The major contributors to this type of pollution are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde. VOCs are odorless gases that off-gas from paint, building materials, carpeting, and other household items.
Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant with a noxious odor, which can be easily detected at low concentrations. It can also be found in new carpets and wall coverings. Lead, radon, and asbestos are also common sources of indoor air pollutants.
Combustion Pollutants
Combustion pollutants are very similar in nature to gases and vapors produced by the same types of chemical reactions in car engines, home furnaces, and numerous other combustion sources. And they are extremely harmful to human beings.
The chief types of combustion pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, tobacco smoke, and many others. The major source of these emissions is the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, refineries, factories, and vehicles.
Combustion pollutants are linked to serious health problems, such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), combustion pollutants can cause thousands of premature deaths each year.
Also check: How to Test The Air Quality in Your Home
Conclusion:
Now that you know the most common pollutants, you can take steps on how to reduce your exposure to them. If you’re interested in learning more about improving your indoor air quality, please contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you.