Poor Indoor Air Quality Warning Signs

February 16, 2018

Shifting weather, extended daylight—all signs point to spring! There are many ways to improve your home each season. Spring brings renewed attention to indoor air quality. Pollen from fresh blooms is just one of the things to keep at bay, especially if you have asthma or respiratory concerns.

Below is a list of common indoor air pollutants and ways to improve the quality of your indoor air quality, this spring and all year round. Tip: Spring cleaning actually does improve the health of your home!

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Radon – A radioactive gas formed in the soil that can enter the home through floors and walls in contact with the ground.

Secondhand Smoke – Secondhand smoke contains many pollutants that can cause or worsen cancer, respiratory illnesses, and asthma.

Combustion Gases – Any fuel-burning process (heaters, gas stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces) releases combustion pollutants into the air. If they are unvented or not vented properly, dangerous gases and particles can enter the home, causing carbon monoxide buildup and other serious problems.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Chemicals that are released from many common furnishings and household products, such as paints, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, office equipment, and building materials.

Asthma and Allergy Triggers – These include mold, dust mites, and pet dander.

Mold – Mold spores can float in the air and enter your body. Some molds can cause fever-like symptoms and trigger asthma and allergy attacks. In rare cases, mold can cause death.

Candles, Air Fresheners, and Cleaners – These products are often filled with harmful gases and sediments. Try to keep away from scented candles and air fresheners and cleaners with phthalates in them.

Paint – Most paint contains volatile organic compounds and can offgas/outgas for weeks or more. Inhaling paint fumes can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, allergies, dizziness, and confusion.

VOC Sources:

paints, paint strippers and other solvents
wood preservatives
aerosol sprays
cleansers and disinfectants
moth repellents and air fresheners
stored fuels and automotive products
hobby supplies
dry-cleaned clothing
pesticides
building materials and furnishings
office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper
graphics and craft materials

Source: U.S. EPA

5 Warning Signs You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality

Asthma and Allergies
If you are coughing and sneezing a lot, and it seems to get worse when indoors, this is a clear sign of poor indoor air quality. Some of the common triggers are dust, pollen, pet dander, sawdust, hair, and volatile organic compounds.
Colds and Flu Symptoms
If multiple people in your home are feeling these common reactions to poor IAQ, seriously consider cleaning your air and speaking with an HVAC technician about professional solutions.
Constant Cleaning
If there seems to be perpetual film of dust and dirt all over the home, you may have a dirty HVAC system that is spreading dust all of your indoor surfaces. Speak with a professional technician about cleaning your HVAC and duct system, and possibly investing in a new air filtration system.
Smells
Another way to tell if you have an indoor air quality problem in your home is if smells, such as nail polish and food don’t go away for a while. If you can still smell last night’s dinner, that’s a clear sign that you don’t have the proper air exchange.
Odorless Dangers
While your nose can help you identify an indoor air quality problem, it won’t be able to help with odorless chemicals and gases, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, pesticides, VOCs, and many types of bacteria and fungi.

Learn more about the danger of carbon monoxide.

Professional Indoor Air Quality Services:

Duct Cleaning
Duct Sealing
Air Filtration
Air Purification
Ventilation
Humidification

Professional Indoor Air Quality Benefits:

Improved Health & Well-Being
Increased Happiness & Productivity
Improved Energy Efficiency
Better, Faster Sleep
Lighter, Fresher Air

With our expert technicians and years of indoor air quality experience, you can trust Service Champions to clean your indoor air and get rid of those pesky indoor air contaminants. We stand by all of our IAQ products and services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.