In reality, indoor air pollutants can be just as dangerous as outdoor air pollution! The arid and sometimes harsh climate of the Southwest United States can exacerbate specific indoor air quality issues. Identifying these indoor air pollutants is important, as awareness can protect you and your family from future health complications. This article will cover five common indoor air pollutants and provide ways in which you can mitigate them in your daily life:
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas released when fossil fuels are burned. The leading indoor source of carbon monoxide comes from kerosene lamps and gas heaters, while vehicles are the leading source of outdoor air pollutants. Tightly enclosed homes with little to no ventilation are at the most risk of carbon monoxide. When you inhale large amounts of CO, the risks can be deadly as it prevents your body from using the correct amount of oxygen it needs to function correctly, ultimately reducing the amount of oxygen your blood carries to your organs. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can vary between dizziness, headaches, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat.
The Environmental Assistance and Protection Department of Forsyth County, North Carolina, recommends that an HVAC professional check your heating system annually. It’s also essential to properly install combustion appliances and working vents while using them. Ensuring regular maintenance and adequate ventilation is critical for homes in the Southwest, where heating appliances might be used differently due to the climate.
Like carbon monoxide, radon is an odorless, colorless, and naturally occurring radioactive gas that is difficult to detect without specific radon testing. It is usually found in low levels and comes from broken-down uranium. While it doesn’t pose much of a threat outdoors, radon exposure indoors can be dangerous, as it can get trapped inside your home through cracks and holes. Long-term radon exposure can lead to health risks such as cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.
Ensure that your home is properly sealed to prevent the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. Consider using indoor plants that can help filter the air and reduce the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic and corrosive gas emitted from burning fuel such as cars, trucks, and power plants. When combined with water in the atmosphere, this can form acid rain. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide can irritate the throat, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. When exposed to dangerously high levels, it can lead to pulmonary edema or lung injury, while moderate levels can lead to acute or chronic bronchitis. Even with low-level exposure, nitrogen dioxide can still impair lung function for children or people sick with asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, combustion appliances such as heaters should be correctly installed, used as directed, and kept in reasonable condition to prevent nitrogen dioxide exposure. Additionally, do not stay in your vehicle while it is running inside your garage, as this can lead to high levels of nitrogen dioxide exposure. In the Southwest, where temperatures can lead to prolonged use of heating and cooling systems, regular checks and maintenance are crucial to preventing NO2 buildup.
Also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), secondhand smoke comes from burning tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars and contains over 7,000 chemical ingredients and substances. When exposed to secondhand smoke in a short amount of time, it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. In comparison, long-term exposure can cause health problems such as wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Additionally, people with asthma must avoid secondhand smoke as it can trigger asthma attacks.
Avoid smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco inside your home. Do not allow others to do so, and avoid those who do. Given the dry climate of the Southwest, which can exacerbate the effects of smoke, it’s essential to maintain smoke-free environments to protect indoor air quality.
Mold is a type of fungi that typically grows both indoors and outdoors. While some types of mold are harmless, others can be dangerous. Mold exposure can cause allergic reactions and symptoms, including nasal stuffiness, eye or throat irritation, swelling, coughing or wheezing, headaches, and skin irritation. Like secondhand smoke, mold can trigger asthma attacks and lead to trouble breathing.
To combat mold, continue to maintain the moisture and humidity levels in your home. When there are leaks or spills, clean them up as soon as possible. In addition, ensure that appliances that emit moisture, such as humidifiers, are vented. Lastly, keep the window or fan running when taking a shower. In the Southwest, managing indoor humidity can be challenging due to the dry climate, but using dehumidifiers and ensuring proper ventilation can help prevent mold growth.
The arid climate of the Southwest can lead to high levels of dust and particulate matter, especially during dust storms. This dust can infiltrate homes and settle on surfaces, leading to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
Regularly vacuum your home using HEPA filters to capture fine dust particles. Keep windows and doors closed during dust storms, and consider using air purifiers to reduce indoor dust levels.
The Southwest is a region with significant agricultural activity, which can lead to the presence of pesticides and other chemicals in the air.
Ensure that your home is properly sealed to prevent the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. Consider using indoor plants that can help filter the air and reduce the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Indoor air pollutants can pose significant health risks, especially in the unique climate of the Southwest United States. By identifying common contaminants such as carbon monoxide, radon, nitrogen dioxide, secondhand smoke, and mold and taking appropriate measures to mitigate them, you can maintain a healthy and safe indoor environment. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, proper ventilation, and air purifiers can significantly improve indoor air quality, ensuring your and your family’s well-being. With the appropriate precautions and awareness, you can have peace of mind knowing the inside of your home is free from indoor air pollutants.
The ACCA contractor locator tool is a valuable resource for obtaining professional advice or installation assistance. Local qualified HVAC contractors provide expert guidance and services to ensure air quality meets standards, creating a safe and comfortable home environment.
