People spend more time indoors, whether at home, school, office, etc. and for this reason, you cannot underestimate the significance of how clean the air quality in your interior should be.
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency believes that indoor air is two to five times more polluted than the outdoors. Indeed, certain elements negatively impact indoor air quality, and below are a few of them to note.
Humidity
Ideally, the concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere is referred to as humidity. It is what makes the air comfortable to breathe in without feeling a dry sensation in your throat and nostrils. Usually, the air becomes thinner and drier in high altitudes because of minimal moisture in the atmosphere.
The reverse is the case when you find yourself in lower altitudes. When you’re indoors, the quality of the air you breathe is expected to contain healthy and safe levels of humidity. However, it is not always the case.
According to experts, indoor humidity levels between 30% and 40% during colder seasons like winter are normal and safe. However, during the summer, your indoor humidity level is expected to rise to 50% to 60% maximum.
Any value higher than the given ranges could affect some things at home. For example, if you are a cigar lover,it may be helpful to understand your indoor humidity levels.
Better yet, you may find it useful to get a cigar humidifier to keep your cigars fresh for as long as you possible. Finding the perfect balance for indoor humidity levels can save you from avoidable inconveniences.
Chemicals
Contrary to what you may think, these chemicals are found in the basic things used at home. Some examples of these are air fresheners, household detergents, fumes from the gas stove, etc.
All these tend to accumulate indoors and, with poor ventilation, continue to pollute the air you breathe in. Although not much data is available to support the effects of long-term exposure on US households, it would be wise to exercise caution.
Apart from the apparent lack of data, science has proven that these chemicals can cause respiratory issues for humans and pets. Additionally, it can also cause cell mutation in humans when the chemical concentration in indoor air is higher than normal.
It is worth knowing that these household chemicals are not always what you perceive them to be. Odors and pungent smells contain chemical compounds which are also unhealthy for you.
To avoid this from happening to you, keeping your home properly ventilated would be advisable.
Pets and pests
If you live with pets like cats and dogs, it is worth noting that your indoor air may be more polluted than you imagined. Pet dander tends to float indoors more than they do outdoors. These allergens and impurities can be filtered by air purifiers easily, though. So consider installing one or more in your home to reduce these contaminants as well as other impurities such as hair, mold spores, and gaseous pollutants that can cause respiratory issues.
For this reason, the chances of breathing in these shed furs are higher for you than for another person who doesn’t keep pets. Moreover, keeping your pets indoors may put you at a higher risk of frequent allergic episodes if you have allergies.
Again, pests can affect your indoor air quality as well. House dust mites, cockroaches, mice, etc., are some examples. Mice, in particular, have an allergen in their urine, and when it dries up, the active element becomes airborne.
Breathing it in could result in respiratory issues in the short to long term.The best way to keep your indoor air clean and healthy is to adhere to proper ventilation at all times. Sometimes, it helps to get an air purifier for your home.