To maintain the indoor air quality in your home, the first thing you need to know is what pollutants to anticipate. Next, you need to determine their possible sources and find a way to minimize the risk of pollution. Here are the most common indoor air pollutants that you need to pay attention to:

1. Pathogens

This category includes bacteria, viruses, molds, and mites. These microorganisms can easily get inhaled and cause various health problems. Pathogens can grow from food waste, biological waste, or even get carried around by the wind. They mostly grow rapidly in humid environments. Fortunately, a simple cleaning is mostly enough to destroy them.

2. Particulate Matter (PM)

Particulate matter is comprised of tiny, solid materials that fly around in the air. Some examples are dust, dirt, sand, and smoke. Due to their micro sizes, particulate matter below 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) can get into human lungs and cause organ dysfunction, such as irregular heartbeats and respiratory disorders. In the long run, it may even lead to cancer and a shorter lifespan.

3. Carbon Monoxide

Many times, people don’t realize that they have carbon monoxide in their house because it is odorless and colorless. The gas is harmful to humans, as it can cause headaches, unconsciousness, and even death. Carbon monoxide comes as a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion. To prevent poisoning, you can install a carbon monoxide detector in your house.

4. Nitrogen Dioxide

Similar to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide also comes from appliances with fuel combustion, such as your heating system. The gas is highly irritative, especially to your respiratory system, such as the nose, throat, and lungs. If directly inhaled, nitrogen dioxide may trigger asthma, coughing, wheezing, or other breathing difficulties. As a result, long-term exposure may lead to pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and lung infection.

5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

VOC, or volatile organic compounds, are the gases emitted from specific chemicals. Many household products may carry them, such as aerosol spray, paints, pesticides, air fresheners, harsh cleaning solutions, and insect repellants. When using such products, you need to wear a mask and maximize room ventilation to keep from inhaling them too much. It is also advisable to opt for products with more natural ingredients.

6. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)

Also known as secondhand smoke, ETS is the smoke released from burning cigars or cigarettes. EPA classifies it as highly carcinogenic because the smoke may contain more than 7,000 harmful substances. Besides cancer, tobacco smoke may cause horrible health issues such as heart disease and respiratory malfunctions. The only way to protect your family from such risks is by completely banning tobacco in your house.

Having clean air in your home is vital in keeping your family healthy. After minimizing the air contaminants, the next thing you should do is improve the air circulation in your house. Cleaning up regularly can also help to remove the particles from surfaces. If you are not sure about the air quality in your house, you can invite a professional to measure the indoor air pollutants.

Indoor Air Pollutants

ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re having issues with your HVAC system, we’re on-call and ready to assist you with your air conditioning needs. So if you’re in need of an HVAC Contractor, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an air conditioning service call diagnostic! Our HVAC experts will diagnose any issues that may be occurring with your HVAC system and help to repair your AC issue on the spot.

Best of all, because ECM is the largest HVAC company in South Florida our local warehouse facility that is 69,000 SQFT houses over $1 million in inventory and fully stocks our 127 vehicles on the road, making us one of the very few AC service companies capable of repairing most issues right on the spot. That means no waiting and no downtime without air conditioning for you & your family in the blistering Florida heat!

Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC team online.