Air pollution isn’t only caused by emissions from vehicles, power plants or smog. These are actually examples of outdoor pollution, but the air in your home can be polluted as well. There are certain gases and particles that contaminate your indoor air. In fact, indoor air is far more filled with contaminants than outdoor air. A study estimates that 2.2 million deaths are attributed to indoor air pollution while 500,000 people died due to outdoor air pollution. Most Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, exposing them to indoor pollutants that are 2-5 times more potent than outdoor contaminants. Having this in mind, you must take necessary steps to improve the quality of your indoor air, like installing an air purification system. New Berlin Heating and Air Conditioning is an HVAC company in Muskego, WI that works closely with some of the best air purification brands in the industry to help you create a safer home environment.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
In developed countries like the U.S., the two most common yet dangerous indoor air pollutants are tobacco smoke and radon.Cigarette smoke has over 4,000 chemicals, most of which are carcinogens or chemicals that cause cancer. An air purifier packed with activated carbon can effectively confine these complex chemicals.Direct inhalation of cigarette smoke can cause many health problems such as lung cancer, asthma, emphysema, and heart disease. Even if you are not a smoker, you are still exposed to the same pollutants if you inhale cigarette smoke secondhand. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil, but in some cases, well water may also be a source of radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you are at a high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure show that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more susceptible to radiation damage. Another main source of indoor air pollution is volatile organic compounds (or VOCs). These are compounds containing carbon released by almost anything you use in your home – paint, plastic, perfume, household cleaners, adhesives, furniture, carpet, paper, among others. Major signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs may include:
- conjunctival irritation
- nose and throat discomfort
- headache
- allergic skin reaction
- dyspnea
- decline in serum cholinesterase levels
- nausea
- emesis
- epistaxis
- fatigue
- dizziness
The Importance of Air Purification
Indoor air pollution weakens your body by decreasing your overall energy level. This makes your lungs work harder which can lead to more serious health problems if not addressed appropriately.Air purifiers are a great way to clean the air. An air purifier works by passing air through filters, which capture small particles and remove them from the air in the room.Air purifiers also help you breathe cleaner air that will allow your lungs and other organs to work better, usually leading to better oxygen absorption by your brain.Certain air purifiers incorporate high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that are guaranteed to catch 99.97 percent of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. HEPA filters remove smaller allergens like dust, smoke, chemicals, asbestos, pollen, and pet dander.Air purifiers can help with allergies, awful smells, snoring and more.Here are a few reasons you should consider investing in an air purifier:
- A stale indoor air
- A sick family member
- Constant sneezing
- Presence of dust mites
- Use of adhesives, disinfectants, and carpet
- Household pets
- Children
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
Purify Your Indoor Air With New Berlin Heating and Air Conditioning
There are certain steps you can take to clean the air that circulates throughout your home. One of these is by installing the right air purifiers and filters.This is where New Berlin Heating and Air Conditioning can help. We have the knowledge and experience to help you determine the best air purification products that meet your needs. With our proven track record, you are guaranteed to breathe clean and safe air in your home. We strive to deliver no less than the best Mukwonago heating and air conditioning solutions.