According to the United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality (IAQ)refers to air quality in and around buildings and structures. It is directly associated with the well-being of indoor building occupants. According to WHO, about 3.2 million people die prematurely from complications attributable to household pollution.
While indoor pollution is potentially dangerous to anyone exposed to it, children, pregnant women, and seniors are more vulnerable due to their suppressed immune system. More often, indoor air quality goes down due to the following:
- Property insulation during the winter season that may limit natural airflow
- Biological pollutants such as molds
- Chemical pollutants such as formaldehyde
- Decorative items
- Heaters
- Gasses such as carbon monoxide
However, there are preventive measures individuals can observe to ensure good indoor air quality. They include:
Changing the Air Filter
An air filter cleans the air that circulates through the home's heating and cooling system by tapping airborne particles, pollutants, and micro-organisms that are potential health hazards to the home occupants. When a filter is not checked often, dust and debris can clog it leading to poor air filtration and high energy bills. On this basis, it is important to follow the manufacturers' guidelines on air filter replacement. Usually, the recommended time to change the air filters is every three months.
Avoiding Decorative Items That Emit Air Pollutants
Indoor decorative items are important because they add visual interest to a space. However, some decorative items do more harm than good. For instance, according to research, when certain types of candles are burned, they emit carcinogens such as toluene and benzene. Prolonged exposure to these toxins puts one at a high risk of developing cancer.
Avoiding Freshly Painted Items
Paints and varnishes contain a chemical known as trichloroethylene. In high concentrations, this chemical can cause liver and kidney damage as well as nose and throat irritation. Generally, painting or spray painting should be done outside in an open-air setting.
Avoiding Products with Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has a wide range of uses. For instance, it can be used:
- As an industrial disinfectant and fungicide
- As a preservative in cosmetics and paints
- Used to give fabrics an anti-wrinkle property
According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to this chemical can cause severe health issues such as metabolic acidosis, organ damage, and respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It is also linked to certain types of cancers. It's also worth noting that there is no known antidote for this toxic chemical.
Installing Exhaust Hoods in the Kitchen
A kitchen exhaust hood plays an important role in the kitchen by maintaining a quality air supply. It filters smoke, grease, and excess moisture linked with cooking. All these pollutants can have potential side effects if inhaled by those close to them.
Cleaning the Chimneys
When the temperatures plummet, most households depend on the heat from fossil-fuel heating appliances. During this period, the state of the chimney can mean the difference between good or degraded indoor air quality. A chimney is a crucial ventilation system that enables toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide to escape the home.
When a chimney is clean, it means a safer fireplace and an efficient home heating appliance. Therefore, periodic professional chimney cleaning helps discourage the build-up of creosote and soot that could degrade its efficiency.
Opening Windows Often
Even during the cold season, a short burst of natural fresh air for a few minutes daily can significantly improve indoor air quality. If possible, leaving the window slightly open overnight can improve the overall indoor air quality.
Indoor air pollution can be a health hazard for senior loved ones, but observing the above preventive measures guarantees good indoor air quality which translates to the good health of the occupants. If you are looking for in-home senior care, we can help. At Senior Helpers, we are the premier providers of in-home care around Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Romeoville, Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Darien.
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