5 Surprising Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

The air inside your home isn’t as clean as you think it is. In fact, if your home is like most, it is more polluted than the air outside. Many everyday products can contribute to this indoor air pollution – even those you think are safe.

Take a look at some of the most common sources of household air pollution. Some of them might surprise you.

Commercial Cleaning Products

Store-bought cleaning products are loaded with harmful toxins – even those marked as “all natural”.

Solution: Make homemade cleaners using a combination as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and salt. They are cheaper than commercial products, just as effective, and much safer for your health.

Heating Equipment

Nearly every heat source in your home releases carbon monoxide as it operates: including your furnace, fireplace, and stove. High concentrations of carbon monoxide can be debilitating and even fatal.

Solution: Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you will need to install detectors throughout your home to monitor gas levels. Have your furnace and chimney inspected every year to make sure they are properly venting to the outside.

Paint

If your home was painted before 1978, there is a good chance that lead paint – which is now outlawed due to its toxicity – was used. Even some new paints emit high levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.

Solution: Purchase low-VOC paint and make sure your space is well-ventilated when painting.

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners have the most misleading name of any product on the market. They do not freshen your air, they just fill it with dangerous chemicals.

Solution: Use natural scents such as vanilla or cinnamon to make your home smell better. Lighting a match is a quick and easy way to overpower bathroom odors.

HVAC Ducts

Air ducts are an afterthought for most homeowners, but they are a common hiding spot for pollutants such as dust, mold, pet dander, and pollen.

Solution: Have your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years by a professional service.

Due to the nature of air duct cleaning, it is a job best left to professionals. If you live in Fairfax County, Virginia, trust Air Treatment Company with all of your duct cleaning needs. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at (703) 270-0881 to schedule your cleaning.

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