At Better Life Maids, we\u2019re the green cleaning experts who are intent on keeping your home\u2019s surfaces clean from dust and debris in a safe, effective and environmentally friendly way. Our products not only clean your surfaces, they don\u2019t contaminate the air quality of your home with heavy chemical odors or perfume-like smells. This is important, especially for people who suffer from allergies and asthma as lingering airborne residues can aggravate these health conditions.<\/p>\n
Which got us to thinking. What other things can affect your home\u2019s indoor air quality?<\/p>\n
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are several factors that can affect indoor air quality. These are explained in detail below. Any one of these is problematic, but combined with others they can moderately to severely compromise your air quality and health.<\/p>\n
Combustion Problems<\/strong> \u2013 Combustion problems can occur when fossil fuel (kerosene, oil) furnaces and gas stoves\/ovens aren\u2019t properly vented and back drafting from malfunctioning water heaters and furnaces happens. These problems can cause mild effects in the household. If not repaired, the problem can escalate resulting in death. Carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is emitted from an improperly functioning furnace and the misuse of a gas powered generator or a charcoal or gas grill inside the home, kills over 200 people per year in the U.S. To ensure combustion problems aren\u2019t affecting your indoor air quality, take the following steps:<\/p>\n – All combustion products (furnaces, stoves, ovens) must be properly vented to the outside<\/p>\n – Regularly maintain these systems (especially the furnace) to be certain it is operating optimally and safely<\/p>\n – Invest in and install carbon monoxide monitors<\/p>\n – Never use a gas or charcoal grill indoors<\/p>\n – Never use a gas powered generator indoors. Even if placed in an attached garage, the resulting fumes will permeate the structure potentially killing occupants. Gas generators must only be used outdoors in a properly vented area.<\/p>\n Carbon monoxide is nothing to mess with. Learn more about it at this EPA site.<\/p>\n Moisture Issues<\/strong> \u2013 When moisture is present, it can incite the growth of mold and mildew and amplify a problem with dust mites and pet dander. Continued exposure to these can increase the risk of allergies and asthma attacks, cause respiratory infections and other negative health effects. Common moisture sources are typically easily fixable and include leaky plumbing, a malfunctioning water heater, high indoor humidity and other water leaks. Once a leak is fixed, any damaged materials must be replaced or thoroughly cleaned to avoid the growth of mold and mildew. Learn more here.<\/p>\n Formaldehyde<\/strong> \u2013 An insidious presence, formaldehyde can be found in draperies and other textiles, manufactured particleboard, furniture, adhesives and tobacco smoke. It can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and lung spasms. It\u2019s also a suspected carcinogen. Formaldehyde contamination can be reduced by selecting higher quality products and increasing your home\u2019s ventilation. More solutions can be found here.<\/p>\n Tobacco<\/strong> \u2013 Formaldehyde is just one of over 4,000 chemicals present in tobacco smoke. Approximately 40 of those chemicals are suspected carcinogens. Secondhand smoke, that which is blown out by the smoker, has been classified by the EPA as a known cause of lung cancer in humans. Children are particularly affected as they can develop chronic health issues including bronchitis, ear infections, pneumonia and other lung issues. Asthma can also be triggered by tobacco smoke. The easiest solution, if the smoker or smokers are unable to quit is to request they smoke only outside.<\/p>\n Radon<\/strong> \u2013 This naturally occurring gas can cause mild to severe health issues in persons who live in a home where this gas is present. Please see our earlier post on radon gas for more information.<\/p>\n Volatile Organic Compounds<\/strong> \u2013 Abbreviated VOC, these compounds come from solvents, paints, hobby supplies, air fresheners, dry cleaned clothing, some new carpeting, fabric additives, aerosol sprays, adhesives and wood that\u2019s been treated with arsenic. Some VOCs cause throat, nose and eye irritation, dizziness and headaches. In addition, problems with the kidneys, liver and central nervous system can occur. You can learn more about the damage VOCs can do, what products are the most common culprits and how to protect your family from them here.<\/p>\n Particulates<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019ve ever looked at a sunbeam shining through a window in your home and wondered at all the things floating in the air, then you\u2019ve witnessed large-size particulates in action. Most, however, are invisible to the naked eye and include residue from wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, dust and pollen, animal dander and insect waste. Individuals sensitive to any of these may experience increased breathing problems and eye irritation. Air filtration can eliminate many of the most common particulates. Visit this EPA site for more information on air filtration systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At Better Life Maids, we\u2019re the green cleaning experts who are intent on keeping your home\u2019s surfaces clean from dust and debris in a safe, effective and environmentally friendly way. Our products not only clean your surfaces, they don\u2019t contaminate the air quality of your home with heavy chemical odors or perfume-like smells. This is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n