Top Ways to Diagnose Indoor Air Quality Problems

When you think of air pollution, you probably immediately jump to thoughts of traffic and smog. However, the air we breathe indoors is much more likely to contribute to health problems. That’s because we spend more time indoors than generations before us. Likewise, modern homes are airtight, leaving allergens trapped inside. So what do you do if you feel your indoor air quality is contaminated?

Most Common Indoor Pollutants

Before you can take action to clean your air, you first need to understand your enemies. Here are the most common indoor pollutants:

• Dust Mites – Microscopic critters, dust mites are the most common cause of allergy found in dust. They thrive on humidity.
• Mold – Fungus that thrives on the presence of water is called mold. Some forms are deadly.
• Pet Dander – Even if you don’t have a pet, you’d be surprised how easy pet dander travels. Owners pick it up on their clothes and distribute it throughout the day. Children come from school, and parents return from work. Often, they’ve brought allergens from other homes.
• Chemical Agents – Coming from paint, wallpaper, cleaning products and more, chemical contaminants can be highly concentrated in homes with inadequate ventilation.

Inspecting for Common Pollutants

Now that you know what commonly causes problems, here are some things you can do to narrow down air quality issues in your home:

• Dust – First, eliminate unnecessary horizontal surfaces in bedrooms. These include bookshelves, knick-knack displays, TV stands and cabinets. Every horizontal surface creates space for dust to settle where you sleep. Consider a dehumidifier to kill dust mites because they die without enough humidity in the air. Clean carpets and upholstery thoroughly.
• Mold – Check under refrigerators, carpet, near the water heater, under sinks and anywhere else water or plumbing may be present. Roof damage or leaky window seals can also lead to mold growth.
• Pet Dander – Consider installing air purifiers to remove pet dander from outside sources. If you own pets, you may have to consider giving them up for your own health. Also, you can check for the presence of rodents, squirrels and mice.
• Chemicals – For chemical contaminants, you won’t be able to visibly inspect with your eyes. Special equipment is needed to detect the presence of chemicals like carbon monoxide, radon gas, nitrogen dioxide and others. For these, you’ll need a professional.

To truly inspect your home in detail, consider an air quality audit. In cases where health issues arise in children or the elderly, it’s important to act as soon as possible.

Air Specialists in Missouri, TX

For more than 40 years, Air Specialist has served Houston, Galveston, Missouri, TX, and surrounding communities. We’ve seen the most common issues of air pollution, and our certified technicians are trained to inspect your residents for air quality problems. If you’d like to schedule your home for professional inspection, then give us a call today.