How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
From high pollen count in the autumn months to dander from your pets, the air circulating in your home is not as clean as you think.
When people hear the word “air pollution” they often think of the outdoors, where fumes and emissions plague our environment. Indoor air pollution, which usually consists of certain pollutants from gas particles, is much more dangerous to our health as they exist in a closed space.
These air pollutants, when inhaled for an extended period of time, can cause respiratory diseases and in extreme cases, cancer. Removing air pollutants will improve the quality of your air and significantly lower the risk of contracting unwanted diseases.
Common Causes of Poor Air Quality
It’s easier to control and treat the indoor air quality of your home once you understand the underlying culprits of the problem.
The leading cause of indoor air pollution is asbestos, which is usually found in paint, ceiling and floor tiles, and construction materials. While the material has been banned, it can still be found in older buildings.
Similar to asbestos, radon was once a common household construction material found in various forms of bedrock. This material, if accumulated in large amounts, can lead to poor indoor air quality.
Mold, mildew, viruses, pet dander, and dust mites can enter your home and accumulate within your air ducts and vents. This not only causes poor indoor air quality but forces your air conditioner to work harder to regulate airflow.
How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Though improving your indoor air quality may sound difficult, there are a few simple things you can do to clean the air and lower the risk of developing respiratory diseases.
The benefits of houseplants cannot be overstated. They clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen. Some easy to care for plants that help purify the air include bamboo palm, snake plant, and the aloe plant.
Air conditioning systems work year-round to provide your home with the perfect temperature. While they’re cycling through the air, they’re filtering out some of the air pollutants. Eventually, the air filters will become clogged, which affects your indoor air quality as well as AC system performance
Humidity accumulates in tightly-sealed home environments due to activities like cooking and bathing. The excess moisture creates the perfect conditions for mold and other fungi to grow, which emit dangerous fumes. You can reduce the amount of moisture from the air and stop mold growth with a few well-placed dehumidifiers.
Purify Your Home With First Response
Ensuring proper indoor air quality starts with understanding which pollutants are living rent-free in your home. 
Indoor air can contain volatile compounds, biological pollutants, organic compounds, and other harmful particles that can negatively affect your health.
Regular testing can minimize the harmful effects of poor air quality by allowing you to target and take action against the specific issue. At First Response, we make use of cutting-edge technology that accurately detects the quality of your air and determine if it’s a health risk. You can trust our team of experts to give your family a safe and healthy living space.
Reach out to us to learn more about our air quality testing services and get a free, no-obligation quote today.