The quality of the air we breathe contributes a lot to our overall health. Poor air quality can lead to health problems like asthma and allergies. While you can’t always control the quality of your outside air, you can always take steps to improve indoor air quality.
Here’s what you need to know about testing and improving your home’s air quality for better health.
Know The Cause Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Many things can cause poor indoor air quality, including:
- Radon
- Cigarette smoke
- Mold
- Pet hair and dander
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
- Dirty air filters
Some cause of poor air quality, like radon, are very dangerous and cannot be smelled. According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Volatile Organic Compounds are chemical pollutants that can lower indoor air quality and come from building materials, paints, paint thinner, and cleaning supplies.
Purchase An Indoor Quality Air Monitor
One of the easiest ways you can monitor and test the quality of your indoor air is to purchase a good air monitor. A good device measures the following:
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
- Particulate matter levels
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
You will also want to get monitors for carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, as these dangerous gases are odorless.
Invest In An Air Purifier
Whether or not you have pets, investing in an air purifier for your home is a great idea to improve air quality and help asthma and allergy sufferers. An air purifier works by removing particulate matter from the air such as dust and pet hair.
There are two methods in which an air purifier can work:
- By releasing negatively charged ions, which makes pollutants stick to surrounding surfaces
- By using HEPA filters to screen and collect particulates from the air
To get the most out of your air purifier, research which purifier method is best for you and your needs.
Call In The Professionals At Missouri Basement
If you’re concerned about the quality of the air in your home, contact the professionals at Missouri Basement. Missouri Basement can provide a total solution to improving the air quality of your home through water and moisture control, mold remediation, and radon reduction systems. Contact us about a Healthy Home in the greater St. Louis area.