Air pollution can become a serious problem in the home. Many factors contribute to air pollution at home, which is why it’s essential to be aware of how you can limit your exposure to these harmful pollutants. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes indoor air pollution in the first place.

Asbestos: Asbestos is the number one cause of degrading indoor quality across the states. Asbestos is often found in automobiles and several construction materials. While the use of Asbestos has been banned across the United States, if you have a really old home, the chances of asbestos poisoning could be something to consider.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is naturally found in the environment, but it can be released into your air from several different sources. Some of these include cigarette smoke, burning candles, and gas stoves/heaters.

Pollen: Allergy season brings many people outside to enjoy nature during the springtime! Unfortunately, pollen has been known to cause some pretty bad coughing fits for those with delicate respiratory systems or allergies.

Tobacco Smoke: Tobacco smoking accounts for around 40% of all indoor pollution levels across homes that have smokers present. This high amount is due to the fact that tobacco smokers are generally constantly puffing away, which means more secondhand smoke is being distributed throughout a room over time. While there isn’t much you can do about this at home besides quitting smoking, it’s essential to be aware that you could have a higher chance of being exposed to air pollution from just hanging around smokers.

Insecticides: While the use of pesticides and insecticides might not seem as harmful as other pollutants on this list, they can cause some serious problems in your home. Insecticide sprays are often released into homes by pest control companies or homeowners who wish to rid their houses of unwanted pests such as roaches or ants. These chemicals can linger for days after application, so if you’ve had an insecticide spray done at home recently (or ever), make sure everyone is washing their hands thoroughly before touching any surfaces!

Pet Dander: If there is anything worse than inhaling dust particles all day long, it’s inhaling pet dander! While pets can be a great addition to any home, they also come with the risk of causing health problems like asthma and respiratory issues. If you have pets in your household, make sure everyone knows how to clean up after their furry friends so that allergen levels are kept at an absolute minimum.

Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is one of those silent killers because this dangerous gas usually has no color or odor attached, which means you won’t even know when someone is being exposed until it’s too late! This carbon-based pollutant comes from fuel-burning appliances, including but not limited to cars, stoves/ovens, and fireplaces. Make sure these devices are properly vented, and you will breathe a lot easier.

Radon: Radon is a gas found naturally in the environment, but it’s also released from many building materials like cement and brick. Radon has been known to contribute to cases of lung cancer, so make sure everyone knows how to test for radon levels at home!

Ozone: Ozone isn’t something you want coming into contact with your respiratory system at all, which makes this pollutant even more dangerous than other forms of indoor air pollution. Ozone is often emitted by several different types of machines, including printers, photocopiers, and cleaning equipment. Ensure these devices are turned off when not being used or ventilate rooms where they are sitting/running before anyone enters them again!

Biological pollutants: If you have black mold in your home, it’s time to turn around and run the other way. Not only can this toxic substance cause respiratory issues but also neurological damage over long periods of exposure.

Varnishes, paints, and certain cleaning products: If you’re someone who likes to paint or re-paint walls in your home, then you should be aware that fumes from these products can cause nausea and headaches if not properly ventilated.

Synthetic fragrances: Similar to varnishes and paints, synthetic fragrances can also contain chemicals that emit harmful fumes. Considering how deodorants and air fresheners are an everyday part of our lives, you must ensure that they contain quality materials and do not emit toxic fumes.

Fumes from paraffin wax candles: Just like synthetic fragrances and varnishes, paraffin wax candles can release toxic fumes into the air. If you want to use these types of candles in your home, make sure they are properly placed so that their vapors do not come in contact with anyone’s respiratory system.

Building and remodeling materials: If you’re a person who likes to remodel or build new walls in your home, then be aware that many building materials emit toxic chemicals into the air. While this doesn’t mean that you should abandon all remodeling projects, ensure that you wear protective gear while remodeling.

You may be surprised to know that most people spend 80% or more of their time indoors. This means the air quality in your home, office, and other indoor spaces drastically affect how you feel. When it comes to determining the indoor air quality, you have the power. Air duct cleaning is one way to improve your home’s environment and remove pollutants from the air in a cost-effective manner. If you don’t know how cleaning air ducts can help you improve your indoor air quality, it might be worth talking to a professional today.