A combination of circumstances can create an unhealthy atmosphere in your home. From the old carpet where the dog has slept for the past ten years, to the vinyl linoleum in the kitchen, which still gives off a noxious smell. Your home acquires its atmosphere in many ways. And it’s not about feng shui. The combination of all sorts of chemical elements can bombard you daily with an invisible but very powerful effect.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Contaminant levels inside personal dwellings are often five times higher than outdoors; under certain circumstances, they can be 1000 times higher or more. Such pollution can lead to the development of respiratory diseases, including asthma. Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms. Children and adults with respiratory problems are even more at risk.
Don’t count on being able to recognize signs of poor air quality. While you may be able to smell the strong pungent smell of new furniture or feel that the room is too humid, indoor air pollution is particularly insidious in that it often goes unnoticed.
Causes of poor indoor air quality
Bad ventilation. When the air inside a home isn’t refreshed enough, an unhealthy array of particles — dust and pollen, for example, or chemical fumes from furniture and household chemicals — are left in the atmosphere, creating their own form of smog.
Humidity. Bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and other spaces where moisture can collect in dark, warm corners are prone to structural rot and mold growth, which may not be visible if spreading behind bathroom tiles or under floorboards, for example.
biological contaminants. In addition to mold, dust, dander, dust mite droppings, pollen, pet hair, other biological contaminants, viruses and bacteria are added to make the house a living hell.