Effects Of Having Poor Air Quality At Home

One of the last things we think about each day is the quality of the air we are breathing. Let’s face it, if we’re breathing right now, we obviously are getting good air, otherwise we’d be coughing and showing other side-effects, right? In year two of the coronavirus, the quality of the oxygen we are breathing is something we’ve probably taken a larger interest in than ever before. The purchase of purifiers, new filters and so forth are higher than ever, even for homes as people want to make sure that the quality of what they are breathing at home is as healthy as possible. 

Did you know that as a nation we are seeing a major issue with the quality of our air, not outside, but inside? It’s ranked in the top five of risks in the environment by the EPA. That’s crazy, isn’t it? Even crazier is that few of us have ever heard of that. We’re wearing masks at the grocery store, at restaurants and other places to minimize our chances of contracting the coronavirus but little did we know that what we are breathing at home and work needs to be taken into consideration as well. 

So, what causes poor air quality when you are indoors? There are a variety of reasons including deteriorating construction materials, asbestos, cleaning products, too much moisture, pesticides, home maintenance materials like paint, industrial-strength adhesive, bleach and more. The irony of this is that homes are dealing with more oxygen problems than before the coronavirus pandemic began. Why? Think about how many times you’ve sprayed your home and wiped it with cleaners to ensure that everything is safe and clean for you and your family? We’re using stronger cleaners, more often than before and it’s causing a negative effect on our lungs. 

Common Health Problems Created By Poor Air Quality 

In all reality, it’s not as though you’re going to breathe the air in your home once and then feel differently and have health problems. Most of us don’t even know the changes that cause from the poor quality of what we are breathing in. There are a variety of health problems that can occur from change in mood and energy levels to nausea and eye irradiation. Long-term issues include respiratory problems, straining on the heart, cancer, migraines and so much more. While it’s unlikely to get cancer because you mop your floors with bleach once a week, it’s a lesson in how these products and pollutants, especially when combined, can cause some problems we need to be aware of. 

Is it really that unrealistic to think that these things can happen? Every year, millions of people suddenly have allergy problems just because of the changing of the season. Different weather, more pollen in the air, increases in dust production, air conditioners being used more or less and other things can easily cause allergies to go off in people and they need to be addressed. Why is it so unlikely that these other issues can cause a variety of health problems? 

While this doesn’t mean you should stop cleaning your home or office, it does make you realize that there are some major difference and issues that need to be addressed. Improving your air quality with better air filters, purifiers and so forth are important steps and can make a major difference in short-term and long-term health.