When people hear the term “air quality,” they often think of factories, wildfires, and other factors that affect the outdoor air. People often don’t realize that indoor air quality is another important consideration. After all, you generally spend much more time inside your home than you do outside. A typical day involves sleeping in your bedroom, cooking in your kitchen, and sitting around in your living room. During all that time, you’re inhaling the indoor air.
To keep yourself healthy, it’s vital to consider the air quality inside your home. The first step to improving is to understand the problem as fully as possible. Here are five general facts about indoor air quality you can use to inform your future decision-making.
Indoor Air Often Has 1,000 Times the Pollution of Outdoor Air
It’s no coincidence that indoor air often feels oppressively stuffy while outdoor air feels nice and fresh. Experts have confirmed that indoor air is often 1,000 times as polluted as outdoor air. That means you’re constantly inhaling incredible amounts of bacteria, allergens, and chemicals, all of which can go on to have serious health effects.
The Kitchen Usually Has the Worst Air in the Home
While every room is liable to have considerable air pollution, the kitchen is usually the worst culprit. Kitchen appliances might make your life a lot easier, but they also spew all sorts of noxious substances. The best way to combat this pernicious issue and promote superior indoor air quality is by making sure your kitchen is well ventilated.
Poor Indoor Air Quality Can Cause Serious Health Problems
The chemicals and bacteria in indoor air can have a devastating effect on the human body. Asthma is a common problem, with children particularly susceptible. Long-term exposure can cause even more severe illnesses, including lung cancer and heart disease. This is a case in which a little bit of prevention is preferable to an after-the-fact cure. By improving the air quality in your home, you can decrease your chances of developing these deadly diseases.
There Are Many Sources of Air Pollution in Your Home
There’s no single source of contamination in your home. Several distinct sources provide little bits of pollution, and they team up to have a devastating effect on indoor air quality. Fireplaces, burners, and tobacco smoke are all obvious sources of pollution. Less-obvious contaminators include insulation, carpets, cleaning products, and even your beloved pets. You can try to deal with each of these issues independently, but you should also address them simultaneously with comprehensive solutions.
Your Body Inhales Around 15,000 Quarts of Air Every Day
The lungs are mighty, and they pull incredible amounts of air through the body every day. When you think about just how much air passes through your system, it becomes obvious why indoor air quality is such an important consideration. By making sure the air in your home is as clean as possible, you can set yourself up for a happier, healthier future.
