According to the American Lung Association, indoor air pollution can trigger the development of conditions such as infections and asthma and put those with existing lung diseases at an even greater risk for health problems. Other health problems such as headaches and fatigue have also been linked to poor indoor air quality.
The indoor air quality products and services at Ray’s HVAC can help customers in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the surrounding communities prevent the following health problems commonly caused by indoor air pollution.
Headaches
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion and is created by fireplaces as well as heaters and furnaces that burn wood, coal, or oil. Because this substance is odorless, it’s difficult to detect in the home. Carbon monoxide can interfere with the amount of oxygen the body receives, leading to headaches and dizziness. Headaches can also be caused by formaldehyde off-gassing, which comes from adhesives and bonding agents used in furniture and flooring products. Even chemicals found in everyday cleaning products can build up, leading to headaches.
Asthma
One of the most common chronic conditions that occurs in the United States, asthma is often triggered by poor indoor air quality. Mold and secondhand smoke can linger in the home and irritate the lungs. Particles created by animals, such as dust mites, cockroaches and pets, can also cause asthma symptoms. Many asthma triggers in the home can be eliminated by elimination of the triggers as well as careful cleaning and use of indoor air cleaners and purifiers.
Lung Cancer
Secondhand smoke contains carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and about 60 other chemical poisons that have been linked to cancer. Cancer has also been associated with exposure to asbestos and radon. In fact, radon pollution is theorized to be the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, have also been found to be carcinogenic.
Trying to clean up the air in your home? Indoor air quality testing can help you determine the sources of indoor air pollution, including leaks from the outdoors, chemicals you may be using, mold or dust mites. You can effectively improve your indoor air quality by using air purifiers to remove dirt, dust and bacteria from the air. In the winter, air humidifiers can improve indoor air quality by adding water vapor to the air. Ventilators and UV lamps work with your HVAC system to keep it clean and allergen free.
Contact Ray’s HVAC to learn more about these products that can help preserve your health for years to come.
