What Are The Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants?
Your Littleton, CO, home’s air could be more polluted than the outdoor air for a variety of reasons. Indoor air pollutants can cause short-term symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or a sore throat. However, they also cause long-term symptoms, including allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Knowing which air pollutants are the most likely to be in your home allows you to take action to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Mold
Mold is a common indoor air pollutant that affects homes in Littleton. Mold growth can result from poor humidity control or a lack of ventilation. The mold spores quickly germinate when they have access to an organic surface and water or condensation. They also thrive in bathrooms that lack exhaust fans. A plumbing leak, or leaky AC condensate drain line, also encourages mold growth.
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter is an umbrella category for many different airborne particles that could be in your home. These are tiny, solid particles that are generated inside your home from everyday activities. They include dust, pet dander and skin cells. Particulate matter also comes from cooking, environmental tobacco smoke and burning candles. Particulates smaller than 10 micrometers can get deep into your lungs, causing chronic lung disease.
Radon
Radon is an element. In homes, this colorless and odorless gas comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil under and around the foundation. You breathe in the radon, then it affects your lungs. Unfortunately, this is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. Luckily, you can have your home’s air tested for radon. A radon mitigation system is a simple method of controlling this health hazard.
Our technicians can help you identify the indoor air pollutants in your Littleton home. You can also count on us for repairs, installation and maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems. Our maintenance plans, duct cleaning and indoor air quality services can also improve your health and comfort. Call us at Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning to learn more about the most common air pollutants inside your home.
