Have you ever experienced headaches, fatigue, or eye irritation while staying indoor during summertime? Poor indoor air quality can be the primary cause of this discomfort. Not only that, but it can also lead to severe respiratory problems, especially in people with allergies. Spring and summer are the seasons when the air quality inside our homes becomes more crucial than ever before. Let’s discuss how seasonal changes can impact your indoor air quality.
Short Term Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality:
Indoor air pollution refers to the harmful particles present in the air inside your home. These pollutants can cause various health effects in the short and long term. In the short term, poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, eye irritation, nasal irritation and sore throat. These effects can be especially noticeable during summertime when the air inside our homes becomes stagnant due to closed windows and doors.
Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality:
Various factors can lead to poor indoor air quality, including smoke, cooking, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cleaning products, building materials, pollen, bacteria, viruses and mold. For instance, smoke from tobacco products and cooking generates large amounts of particulate matter that can harm our respiratory systems. VOCs, found in paints, carpets and adhesives, can lead to severe health problems, including cancer. Bacteria, viruses and mold can grow inside the HVAC system or stagnant water and spread throughout the house, leading to respiratory infections and other severe health problems.
How Spring and Summer Impact Indoor Air Quality:
Various factors can worsen your indoor air quality during spring and summer. The higher humidity levels and increased temperatures can encourage the growth of mold and bacteria in your home. Moreover, the increase in pollens, especially during spring, can cause allergies and respiratory problems. Also, increased use of air conditioning systems can stir up allergens and pollutants that settle on surfaces and spread throughout the house. Last but not least, increased pesticide and insecticide use to treat summertime pests can pose harmful health effects on humans and pets if these chemicals are used indoors or close to windows and doors.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality:
To improve the air quality inside your home, you can take some simple yet effective steps. First, make sure to change your air filters regularly to minimize the spread of particulate matter through the HVAC system. Also, avoid smoking indoors to prevent the emission of harmful particles. Use natural cleaning products and avoid using harsh chemicals that can release VOCs. Keep your doors and windows closed during times of high pollen counts, and make sure to clean surfaces and floors regularly to prevent the spread of allergens.
Indoor air quality is an important factor in determining our health and wellbeing, especially during spring and summer. By understanding the causes and effects of poor indoor air quality, we can take proactive steps to prevent or remedy it. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment by avoiding pollutants, reducing allergens and increasing ventilation can significantly improve our health and quality of life. If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, Carolina Cool has solutions that can help. Give us a call to learn more about how we can improve your indoor air.
