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Most people spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, whether it's at school, the office, on the metro, or at home. And, while we frequently discuss the level of pollution in our environment, we rarely examine the quality of the air we breathe indoors. Indoor air pollution can be hazardous to one's health. This is why one should call professionals to check your home’s air quality in Rochester NY at regular intervals.

Due to the construction of increasingly energy-efficient homes in recent years, indoor air pollution has become a more significant matter. Because these structures are typically airtight, the air inside can quickly grow stagnant, causing pollution levels to rapidly rise. 

Four Main Indoor Air Pollutants

According to the EPA (Environmental protection Agency), the four major causes of indoor air pollution are excess moisture, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and radon. Due to these pollutants, the house becomes damp and stuffy making it more harmful than outside. Thus, to keep yourself and your family safe, it is crucial to know about these indoor air pollutants.

1. Abundance of moisture 

Moisture is the least well-known indoor pollutant, yet it's also one of the most dangerous. Moisture has an impact on your health and the health of your building. Mildew and dust mites flourish when moisture collects on a surface. Asthma and other allergic reactions are triggered by mildew and dust mites. You will be uneasy if there is a lot of moisture in the air. Capillary action will increase moisture in your home as a result of basement leaks and rain. Moisture is also increased by kitchen activities and plans. Use a dehumidifier to control the quantity of moisture in the air.

2. Volatile Organic Compounds

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are gasses that are released from liquids or solids. VOCs are generated by a variety of items and can have both short- and long-term health consequences. Indoors, VOC concentrations are higher than outdoors. VOCs are mostly produced by paints, aerosol sprays, disinfectants, and insecticides. You will experience eye and nose irritation, nausea, migraines, or kidney and liver damage if you are exposed to VOCs. Increase your home's ventilation and always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid VOC exposure.

3. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas and is created whenever fuels are burned. The gas depletes the body's oxygen supply. Nausea, dizziness, headaches, and a rapid heart rate are some of the side effects. Carbon monoxide levels that are too high cause mortality. Keep your home well-ventilated every time. Also, make sure that electrical items are properly installed.

4. The presence of radon

Radon is invisible and odorless. Lung cancer is predisposed to those who are exposed to radon. Only via testing can the level of exposure be determined. You can get a screening kit to find out how much of this gas is present in your home. If the radon levels are too high, hire a competent professional.

Effects Of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air contaminants have the following health effects:

Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat.

Headaches, exhaustion, and dizziness are common side effects.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and cancer are all examples of severe effects of bad indoor air quality.

Excess of carbon monoxide can also lead to death. 

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