Common Indoor Air Pollutants

November 2, 2021

When thinking about air quality, many people don’t believe that the air inside their homes is worse than the air outside. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality can be up to 100 times worse. Not only does poor indoor air quality decrease home comfort, but it can also affect your family’s health and overall safety.

At Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer a variety of services dedicated to improving your home’s air quality. While we’re excited that so many of our South Florida customers want cleaner air, we found that many of them aren’t aware of the common indoor air pollutants that cause problems in the first place.  

Here are some common indoor air pollutants all homeowners should keep on their radar.

• Asbestos: This common air pollutant was previously used as a construction material when insulating and fire-proofing homes and it’s also been used to manufacture goods like paper products and packaging. According to the EPA, “elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding or other remodeling activities. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes, increasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in those homes.”
• Carbon Monoxide: As an odorless gas, carbon monoxide (CO) can be very harmful when inhaled in large amounts due to its ability to reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood. High levels of CO can be even more dangerous in small spaces that aren’t well-ventilated and cause dizziness or even death.
• Formaldehyde: Unfortunately, this common indoor air pollutant is in everyday items handled every day by humans, and it can be found in building materials, cosmetics, household cleaners, and more. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritations to the skin, nose, eyes, and throat, and long-term research shows it could also cause cancer.
• Pesticides: While pesticides are typically used outside of the home, many homeowners would be surprised to know they can also be in disinfectants and insect sprays. When exposed to this common indoor air pollutant, some could cause an increased risk of cancer and damage the nervous system.
• Biological contaminants: These pollutants are created by living things, including viruses, bacteria, pet dander, dust, and mites. Typically, they will be found in areas with a high percentage of moisture and can cause mildew and bacteria. The weather can also have a significant impact on your indoor air quality.

Making your indoor air quality a priority is part of every homeowner’s job, but breathe easy knowing that we have experts to help. Whether you have questions about indoor air quality and/or are looking for ways to improve the air inside your South Florida home, contact Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing online.