Indoor air quality is worse than that of outdoor air. This silent and invisible danger puts people at risk without them knowing. Poor air quality can impact the health of the people exposed to it. Harmful pollutants and particles tend to irritate your respiratory system. This leads to diseases like asthma and, in some cases, lung cancer.

You can do a few things to improve indoor air quality. The first is to make sure that you have proper ventilation. This will help to circulate the air and keep it from getting too stagnant.

You should also avoid using chemicals in your home that contribute to poor air quality. These include cleaning products, paints, and aerosols. Instead, opt for natural alternatives whenever possible. Finally, invest in an air purifier to help remove harmful particles from the air in your home.

Home air quality tests can be done in several ways. For example, you could purchase a commercial home air quality test kit, hire an indoor air quality specialist, or even do it yourself. While commercial test kits are easy to use, they may not be as accurate as hiring a professional. And, doing it yourself may not be the best option either, as you might not have the knowledge or experience to interpret the results correctly.

The most important thing is to take action if your home air quality test results return positive for pollutants. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Instead, invest in air purifiers and keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible. You can improve indoor air quality and protect your health by taking these steps.

Signs of Poor Indoor Air

Air is invisible, but there are some signs that your indoor air may be harmful. Here are two of them:

Aggravated allergic reaction

If you have observed that your allergic reactions are getting more frequent, it may be because of pollutants like pollen, mold, and dust. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, and headaches.

Nearby home construction

Renovations or construction can seriously harm the quality of air in your home. Gaseous chemicals, asbestos, and dust can contaminate the air.

Benefits of Home Air Quality Tests

Having excellent indoor air quality is therapeutic. Note that healthy air translates to a healthier life. Improving your indoor air offers countless benefits, including:

Eliminating PPM

PPM (primary particulate matter) is composed of tiny solid particles derived from the combustion of engines. They range in size from 2.5 to 10 micrometers. PPM tends to irritate your lung tissues.

Reducing odor

Airborne bacteria can cause unpleasant smells in offices or houses. Particles suspended in the air also can cause a foul odor.

Removing harmful contaminants

Invisible pollutants float in the air. Mold, radon, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and allergens contaminate the air. Substances like these can have serious health effects. So, removing the contaminants that you are breathing at home is one step in addressing air quality indoors.

Better job performance and productivity

Several studies have found that high levels of gaseous molecules like carbon monoxide and sulfur oxide induce headaches and migraines in offices. However, good indoor air quality can also improve your overall well-being. One example is that it can improve the quality of your sleep.

Conducting a Home Air Quality Test

When it comes to maintaining good indoor air quality, you can do a few key things. First, schedule an IAQ (indoor air quality) testing. This will help you to get an accurate assessment of the air quality in your home. In addition, you can also ask for an assessment from an HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) technician. This will ensure that your home’s IAQ is up to par. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your family breathes clean and healthy air.

If you have a low budget or cannot contact nearby HVAC technicians, you can take matters into your own hands. For example, you can check for fungi and mold growing on your home or office walls. These organisms can cause asthma, a stuffy nose, and skin irritation. You can also search for issues around the house, like a water leak or a hole in the roof. These can also lead to health problems for you and your family.

It is important to take care of these issues as soon as possible to prevent them from causing severe health problems. You can also save money by fixing these issues yourself. However, it is always best to contact a professional if you are unsure how to fix the problem.

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Improving indoor air quality is not only about letting the pros check on the air quality of your office or home. After getting the results, you should remove any detected harmful pollutants.

Maintain healthy air indoors by following some tips below:

Regularly eliminate dust indoors
Invest in air purifiers
Invest in regular inspections by HVAC professionals
Install air quality monitors and carbon monoxide detectors
Conduct radon tests indoors
Regularly seek professional help

A home air quality test is not meant to be a once-a-year practice. Instead, it should become a regular practice for everyone. Detecting poor indoor air quality is important because your life is at stake. So, investing in air purifiers and regular home air quality tests will protect you and your family from indoor pollutants.