How Poor Air Quality Can Affect Your Health

Many people think of air pollution as an outdoor problem. Unfortunately, the air inside our homes, offices, and other indoor spaces can be just as harmful. Cooking, cleaning, and even living with pets can introduce pollutants into the air. Over time, these contaminants build up. Sometimes, that can even affect your health.

Indoor Air Quality and Your Health

Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory issues and aggravate chronic conditions. When dust, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) accumulate, they can irritate the respiratory system. This can trigger flare-ups in people with pre-existing conditions. When the air quality is bad, it is harder to manage symptoms for those who already struggle with breathing issues.

People with asthma have a hard time breathing. Their airways are sensitive to irritants. Many times, they react strongly to dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne particles. When exposed to poor indoor air quality, their symptoms can worsen. This can lead to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Even small amounts of pollutants can cause their airways to become inflamed. In some cases, breathing becomes a struggle.

Certain indoor pollutants cause trouble for asthma sufferers. Dust and pollen tend to settle into carpets, bedding, and furniture. In turn, that makes it easy to inhale them throughout the day. Pet dander is another common trigger. Those tiny flecks of skin from cats, dogs, and other animals can linger in the air.

Mold is also a major concern, especially in damp areas like bathrooms and basements. When spores are released, they can inflame the lungs. Of course, tobacco smoke is one of the worst offenders. It can irritate the airways and lead to long-term lung damage.

Allergies Can Get Worse While Indoors

Anyone who suffers from allergies knows how frustrating it can be to deal with sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes on a regular basis. Many people don’t realize that indoor air pollution worsens these symptoms. Your home or workplace can be filled with allergens that keep you in a constant state of discomfort.

For example, dust mites live in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. In many homes, it can be hard to avoid exposure. Mold growth can also affect allergy sufferers. As the spores are released into the air, they can trigger allergic reactions.

Even pet lovers who are used to their furry companions may still experience irritation from the dander floating in the air. On top of that, everyday household products like cleaning supplies, paints, and furniture can release VOCs. These allergens cause eye irritation and make breathing more difficult.

Other Health Risks Linked to Poor Indoor Air

Along with affecting asthma and allergies, poor indoor air quality can lead to other serious health problems. Respiratory infections are more common in environments where air pollutants linger. Over time, dust, mold, and bacteria exposure can weaken the immune system. This can make catching colds, bronchitis, or even pneumonia easier.

Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution has also been linked to heart disease. Tiny particles from smoke, cooking fumes, and chemical pollutants can enter the bloodstream. As a result, it can cause inflammation and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Even a person’s cognitive function can suffer when air quality is poor. High levels of carbon dioxide and VOCs have been shown to cause fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. In workplaces and schools, this can mean lower productivity and reduced focus. In the home, that can make it harder to perform everyday tasks.

What to Do If Poor Air Quality Is Affecting Your Health

If you’re experiencing frequent allergies, respiratory issues, or discomfort due to poor indoor air quality, it may be time to call a professional HVAC contractor. They can help you with the maintenance of your heating unit and cooling systems. Sometimes, changing the air filter is enough to boost the quality of your air. Plus, you can get advice on system upgrades that can make a big difference in your health and comfort.

If you are looking to find the best way to get healthier air in your Greensboro home, turn to Custom Air Inc.. Since 1998, we have been helping residents and businesses with their air quality needs. Our team will test your indoor spaces and find solutions that will work for you, such as UV light-based air purifiers. With our help, you can breathe a little easier.

Contact us to schedule an appointment to get healthy and clean indoor air.