Researchers have linked air pollution to various health problems, including asthma and cancer. According to the American Lung Association, air quality in many parts of the United States hasn’t improved much more than it was over a decade ago. In fact, 96 counties in 15 states received a failing grade in air quality compared to the 136 counties in 36 states in 2007.
The American Lung Association also found that 2.1 million more people are breathing in poor air compared to 2021. Poor air quality isn’t just an annoyance — it can have serious health effects on the entire family. If your concerns are growing for your family’s health, learn about the impact that poor air quality can have below.
The Negative Effects of Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality is serious and can negatively affect families with young children. These impacts can include respiratory problems and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, poor air quality can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified indoor air pollution as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The WHO estimates poor indoor air quality contributes to four million premature deaths yearly — and 14% of those deaths occur in children under five.
In addition, there may also be indirect consequences for your child’s physical development. Exposure to high levels of air pollution during early childhood can lead to stunted growth and impaired lung function later in life. This is particularly true for children with asthma or other respiratory conditions since they make them more sensitive to environmental triggers like dust or pollen.
What Can You Do To Improve Your Air Quality?
Cleaning your air is easier than you think. The first thing you can do is reduce the amount of dust and dirt in your home — you can do this by dusting regularly and vacuuming often. If you have carpet, consider replacing it with hardwood or tile floors since they are much easier to keep clean.
Next, be sure to air out all rooms in your home regularly. Opening windows for at least one hour a day will help keep the air fresh and free of mold spores and allergens.
If you have pets or smoke in your home, consider a Venta Air Purifier to remove harmful particles from the air before they can enter your lungs. You can also use natural cleaning supplies instead of artificial ones when possible — this will help reduce the number of toxic chemicals in your home and their environmental impact.
Finally, it would help if you cleaned your air filters regularly. Doing this will help keep dust and other allergens out of the air you breathe, which is another major factor for respiratory problems.
What Are the Causes of Poor Air Quality?
Poor air quality is a problem that affects everyone. Yet, it’s especially problematic for those who are sick or have health conditions that make them susceptible. There are many different causes of poor air quality, including:
- Pollen and dust mites
- Mold and mildew
- Pet dander
- Volatile organic compounds from paints, cleaners, and pesticides
- Poor ventilation
- Cigarette smoke and other combustion products like gas stoves or car exhaust
What Are the Symptoms of Poor Air Quality?
Your family’s health is essential and you want the best for your children. So, when you hear that the air quality in your area is poor, you want to know what that means for them.
If your family lives in an area or a home with poor air quality, it can cause various symptoms. These include:
- Nasal congestion and irritation
- Headache and fatigue
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Chest pain
- Coughing, sore throat, and even bronchitis
When your children are exposed to this type of air quality, they may feel like they’re coming down with a cold or flu. However, too long of an exposure or a particularly high one can cause much more severe symptoms. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, you must make a doctor’s visit immediately.
Which Materials Should You Avoid to Maintain Good Air Quality?
Because the air quality in your home is so important, it’s crucial to keep track of what materials you have. Some materials are known to harm human health, including the materials used in construction. These include the following:
- Asbestos
- Vinyl asbestos
- Talcum powder
- Germicides and disinfectants
- Cadmium and lead paint
- Solvents including alcohols, esters, ketones, and glycol ethers
- Formaldehyde
Regarding air quality, it’s critical to avoid these materials as much as possible. They can build up in the air over time and cause health problems for people who live or work in areas with high concentrations of these substances.
Take Measures to Improve Your Air Quality
Poor air quality can have detrimental effects on your family’s health. It can cause respiratory problems, lung cancer, heart disease, and even mental health problems. If you want to protect your family from the harmful effects of poor air quality — consider taking the steps above today and make it easier for everyone in your home to breathe better.
**The contents of the Venta blog are intended for informational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of health and medical professionals. Always refer to your physician or other qualified healthcare professionals for questions or concerns you may have about your health and wellness.