There are many things we do to keep ourselves safe and healthy. Whether it is taking supplements, exercising regularly, or cleaning our homes, there are many ways that we can take control of our quality of life.
Chances are, you are already doing everything you can to maintain your health and safety following the events of the past few years. After the pandemic, many of us have realized there is more that we can be doing to look after ourselves, which has led to an increase in home cleaning and maintenance.
After all, your home is your sanctuary and should be a comfortable, safe place away from the rest of the world. But even with regular cleaning, your home may still be causing you issues, and it could be the source of health problems within your family.
In this guide, we are sharing the importance of indoor air quality and sharing the ways that you can improve health and safety at home.
Is Your Home Bad For Your Health?
Many homeowners do not realize the impact their homes can have on their health.
We may take action in terms of our diet and exercise to look after ourselves but fail to notice the role our environment plays. While there is not a lot that can be done about the greater pollution and contaminations in public spaces, the air quality within your home is something you can control and could be the cause of many health issues you are experiencing.
If anyone in your family suffers from respiratory issues or allergies, this could be down to your home and the air quality within it.
You may believe that you live in a clean and safe home, which could be true for the most part. Your home is likely to be clean, but the air quality is lacking, which continues to cause issues in all seasons and regardless of what your routine is.
It is possible to have a clean home on the surface but struggle with allergies and respiratory issues because of air quality. This is something many homes deal with, as air quality is not usually a major concern when running a household.
However, failure to take care of the air quality within your home and maintain a clear level can be very detrimental.
This is something to be concerned about no matter the age of your family, as poor air quality can have negative effects on everyone, but it should be a major concern if there is already a history of allergies, asthma, or other breathing-related issues.
Signs of Poor Air Quality At Home
Now that we have introduced you to the importance of good air quality for your home, it is time to consider your current environment.
Many people do not consider air quality as an issue because it is not something you can see or something that will physically get in the way. However, there are some tell-tale signs of poor air quality that you may be experiencing across the home and within your health.
Until now, you may have associated these signs with something else, but they usually indicate poor air quality at home.
The following are signs to look out for:
Coughing, chest congestion, or respiratory issues
While these can be associated with many forms of illness, as well as hereditary health issues, poor air quality can also cause these. These are caused by a high concentration of particles in the air which can go straight to your lungs.
Even if these symptoms are part of something else, poor air quality can make them worse, which is why you need to take care of your home.
Allergies
Signs of allergies, such as watery eyes and irritation, can be down to poor air quality. Even during allergy seasons, your home should be able to provide some relief, but this will not happen if you are dealing with poor air quality.
Fatigue and Dizziness
If you find yourself feeling fatigued and experiencing dizzy spells at home, this could be a sign of something dangerous going on in the air.
Fatigue and dizziness are usually a sign of poisoning, such as from carbon monoxide, and this needs to be addressed immediately.
Mould Growth
There are certain areas of the home that are more susceptible to mold, such as the bathroom, because it is damp. However, this does not mean that mold is something to ignore, as it can cause a lot of issues and is usually related to poor air quality.
Mold is one of the most common environmental signs of poor indoor air quality and does not go away on its own. When left unattended, mold will spread, which will only make your issues worse.
Strange Smells
Musty smells are usually linked to mold, which, as we know, is now a sign of poor air quality at home. Air quality can impact the way your home smells in other ways, and if there is something strong, it needs to be addressed.
Humidity
Humidity can cause a variety of issues in the home, depending on what kind you are dealing with. High humidity causes excess moisture in the air, which can lead to more mold, but low humidity causes cold spots, which can cause irritation and dry skin.
Due to how many issues it can cause, humidity is something you need to get addressed as soon as possible, and improving the air quality in your home is usually the best way to go.
How To Improve Air Quality At Home
If you are noticing any of the above signs within your home or your health, it is time to act.
When left unattended, poor air quality will only make things worse, and this can become dangerous, especially when it concerns your health. This is why you should call in a professional team whenever you notice poor air quality, as they can act fast and will offer the right solution for your needs.
As well as working with professionals, two pieces of kit may become useful during this time:
Humidifiers
Humidifiers are a great way to reduce the dryness in the air, which can relieve various symptoms. Dry air can cause respiratory issues, including coughing, congestion, and asthma, as well as irritation of the skin.
When you are dealing with dry air in the home, it can be very uncomfortable, and not only will you notice your health decline, but also the quality of your home overall.
Dryness can cause furniture, especially wooden pieces, to crack, which is something else you will have to deal with if this issue continues.
A humidifier works by minimizing the formation of bacteria and mold in the air, including fungi and dust mites.
Dehumidifiers
If your home is overly humid and you are noticing an increase in mold, then you need a dehumidifier.
This is a way of getting rid of excess moisture from the air, as well as preventing the growth of mold and the formation of fungi across the home. By removing excess moisture from the home, you will notice a significant difference.
Not only will the mold be removed, and along with it, the strange smells and humidity, but you will find it easier to breathe in all areas.
The Professional Option
For larger issues, you may need to call in the professionals.
If you have been dealing with poor air quality for a long time or are not finding any relief through these two means, then it is time to look elsewhere. It is possible to get a whole home purification system, one which will work to clear all areas of their allergens, mold, and humidity, no matter what kind this may be.
This is a great option for larger homes or those which are experiencing a range of problems when it comes to air quality.
These purification systems can be installed alongside existing air conditioning or air ducts throughout the home, preventing an influx of dust mites, allergens, and mold in any room.
This should be done by a professional engineer and can be found locally to suit your needs.
Summary
Indoor air quality is a very important thing to consider. This plays a large part in not only how comfortable your home is but also how safe it is for the whole family.
Poor air quality in the home can cause a range of issues, both to your health and to the property itself, which is why it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. There are some options out there that can improve air quality, helping you breathe better and maintain a safe, clean home at all times.
Depending on your issues, the right solution for you will vary, which is where the professionals come in.
Everyone deserves to be safe and healthy in their own home. Seek help for your air quality today to ensure the safety of your family and maintain the comfort of your home.
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