Many Americans believe that the air inside their house or apartment is considerably less polluted than the air on the street. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. The reality is that indoor air is often as many as 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside!
Regular and extensive home cleaning is crucial when it comes to keeping the air inside your place fresh. However, merely hiring a maid service in Hammond isn’t going to help you much if you fail to remove dangerous pollutants from your home.
In the following article, we’ll list the 4 most harmful indoor air pollutants that can commonly be found in American homes, and provide you with some tips on how to improve your indoor air quality. Keep reading to learn more.
What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants?
People often say that knowledge is power, but when it comes to indoor air quality, knowledge is also what keeps you safe. After all, knowing what can pollute the air inside your home is the vital first step in ensuring that the air in your home is free of germs and toxins.
The four most harmful indoor air pollutants are:
Asbestos
The term “asbestos” is used to describe a group of minerals that were once widely used in building supplies and other products. Asbestos fibers can pollute the air inside a home and cause the residents to develop severe lung problems such as asbestosis and lung cancer.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can interfere with your body’s ability to process oxygen. This can result in dizziness, confusion, tiredness, headaches, nausea, and even death. Gas stoves and faulty HVAC systems are common causes of elevated carbon monoxide levels.
Radon
This colorless, odorless gas is one of the causes of lung cancer. The good news is, you can use an affordable radon screening kit or hire a radon testing expert to check your home for elevated radon levels.
Lead
Lead used to be an ingredient in house paint until it was banned in 1978. Airborne lead dust and particles can cause severe damage to the kidneys, red blood cells, nervous system, and brain. In children, it can lead to behavioral issues, reduced IQ levels, delayed growth, and shorter attention spans.
Other pollutants include:
- Germs
- Carpets and rugs
- Water damage and dampness
- Dust mite infestations
- Mold infestations
- Cockroach infestations
- Unchecked dust buildup
- Pet dander
- Harsh cleaning products
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Secondhand smoke
How can I improve indoor air quality?
If you’re experiencing allergic reactions while at home, this may be due to the presence of indoor plants or pet dander. Consider taking the problematic plants outside and vacuuming pet hair more often.
Other ways to improve indoor air quality include:
- Frequently airing your home
- Cleaning and disinfecting your place regularly
- Regularly cleaning or changing your AC filters
- Using an air purifier
Where can I book a quality maid service in Hammond?
Once you’ve made sure your home is free of toxic substances such as lead and asbestos, improving its indoor air quality comes down to keeping it clean and germ-free all year long. But what if you don’t have the time to give your house the cleaning it needs?
Here at Geaux Maids of Hammond, we say: no worries! Our cleaning experts are more than willing to give your place a thorough cleaning while you enjoy a fun afternoon at the North Oak Park. Reach out to us today!
