Air quality is an issue that can’t be ignored, especially if you live in a city, even one as beautiful as Lynnwood. You see the pollution as a brown haze hovering over Seattle, particularly on warm, humid days when there is no breeze to blow it away. If you are one of the millions who suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties, you have to wonder what that is doing to your lungs. But did you know that indoor air quality can be just as bad for your health, or perhaps even worse, than outdoor air?
Indoor air quality can be as much as 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The good news is that you can do a great deal to improve the air quality immediately, not only in your home but your workplace too.
Pollution
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measurement of the concentration of pollutants in the air, such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and lead.
Here are some of the ways those pollutants are able to get into your living and working space.
- Insecticides and cleaning products
- Household products such as air fresheners, hair spray
- Varnishes and paints
- Smoke
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold caused by water leaks
- Pollutants and emissions come in from outside through your outdoor air conditioner unit and ventilation
Why Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Air quality doesn’t just affect your breathing, it affects your health. As most people know asthma, lung cancer, and respiratory symptoms such as coughing, and sneezing can be caused by pollution but not only that, it also causes many other symptoms.
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Irritation of the throat
- Ear infections and hearing loss
- Skin rashes
- Fever and chills
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain
Now do you realize how much nasty stuff you are breathing in all day long. Your HVAC system can compound the problem by circulating pollutants throughout your home. This is why you need to improve air quality.
The good news is that it’s not only possible to improve indoor air quality, it’s affordable. If you would like to know more, or have any questions give Kings Heating and Air Conditioning a call. We’re your Lynnwood, WA experts on heating, air conditioning, and your indoor air quality. In our next article we will give you some practical tips for improving the air quality in your home.
