Ninety percent of our time is spent indoors which is why it is so important to know about the health effects that can arise from poor indoor air quality.
Did you know that the air you breathe every day could be making you or your family members sick? On average, Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, whether it be at home, at work, out shopping, or at entertainment venues. This percentage could be even higher for those who are immobile or lack transportation to leave their homes.
Unfortunately, this means that by spending so much time inside, there’s an inherently greater risk of developing a poor air quality-induced health condition. Some air pollutant concentrations are two to five times higher indoors than outdoors, making it easier to affect your health.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes of poor indoor air quality and how it can impact your health.
Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
It’s very common that indoor air pollutants to become trapped inside your home or apartment, especially during the cold winter months when the windows aren’t open and fresh air can’t circulate. Particles that could be lurking in the air include:
- Radon
- Tobacco smoke
- Asbestos
- Animal dander
- Candle toxins
- Mold
- Pollen & dust mites
- Carbon monoxide
These substances can cause different forms of harm to your lungs and increase the chances of developing a health problem.
Allergies
The most common, and usually most noticeable, effect of poor indoor air quality is developing allergies. One in six Americans experiences some form of allergy. The air we breathe in has small particles such as dust mites or pet dander that can affect the lungs and immune system. Symptoms of allergies include runny nose, itchy eyes, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
There are various kinds of allergies and none have a known cure. However, with a combination of medication and avoidance measures, symptoms can be limited. If you are experiencing any allergy symptoms it’s important to check with a doctor to create a plan to reduce symptoms and to also ensure that it’s not something else.
Asthma
Asthma occurs when the airways swell and are narrowed, resulting in the extra production of mucus. This then leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and a wheezing cough. A combination of environmental and genetic factors typically contributes to the development of asthma. Airborne particles that trigger allergies can trigger asthma attacks as well.
There is no cure for asthma, but it can improve with age and a healthier living environment. Some individuals may require the use of an inhaler to assist with their breathing. Since there’s no cure for asthma, it’s important to be aware of the air quality you’re inhaling and pay attention to the environment you’re in when a coughing or wheezing fit occurs. It could be a telltale sign of what’s triggering symptoms.
Lung Cancer
Long-term exposure to toxins and particles in the air can lead to an increased chance of developing lung cancer. These particles become lodged in the breathing passageways and can eventually cause larger issues, such as genetic mutations and cancer. The problem is that many lung cancers are latent, meaning that symptoms may not occur for 10 to 50 years after exposure to the carcinogen.
For example, asbestos is a fire-resistant material that was commonly used in home building materials before the 1980s. Its use came to a halt when it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers could result in health conditions, such as asbestos cancer. However, asbestos may still be lingering in homes or buildings, and when it’s disrupted, exposure occurs. If someone is exposed to the particle, their chances of developing an asbestos cancer, such as mesothelioma, drastically increase but symptoms won’t present themselves until 10-50 years later. This is why it’s important to keep an eye on the air quality in your home and have it tested for particles that could be lingering about.
How You Can Protect Your Family
The tricky part about indoor air quality is that you can’t always see or smell what may be lurking around in the air. The good news, however, is that there are measures you can take at home to ensure the air quality your family is breathing in is clean and healthy. A few things to consider to prevent indoor air pollutants:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector
- Use a humidifier
- Invest in an air purifier
- Clean your HVAC and heater filters
Additionally, seek professional advice or services if you’re concerned about the air in your home. While you can’t control the air in the places you visit, you can ask businesses about their air ventilation systems and wear a facemask if you’re concerned about the air quality.
Be sure to get plenty of fresh air when you can and keep an eye on your health for any signs of a poor air quality-induced condition. What do you do to keep your air clean?