3 Health Issues Due to Indoor Air Pollution

Besides creating a comfortable environment in your home, your HVAC system can also help improve your indoor air quality. However, if you fail to properly >maintain your air conditioner, you may see your family members experiencing a variety of health problems. Here are three health issues that commonly occur due to bad indoor air quality:

Allergic Reactions

Many people attribute allergic reactions to weather patterns or changing seasons. But they may also be the result of indoor air pollution. Inhaling dust, pollen and other irritants can lead to allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, headache and congestion. If the symptoms appear after you walk into your home and go away after you step outside, you’re dealing with bad air quality in your home.

Asthma Symptoms

People who are suffering from asthma have highly sensitive airways. When they breathe in airborne irritants, their airways may tighten up and produce more mucus. Then they may experience symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose and chest tightness. Some of the irritants that can trigger asthma symptoms include dust, pollen, pet dander, chemical odors and second-hand smoke.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can lead to long-term health conditions, such as COPD. Some of the symptoms of COPD are similar to those of asthma, including wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulty. However, the condition can potentially lead to severe symptoms that require treatment in a hospital, such as voice change, blue or gray lips or fingernails, loss of mental alertness, and rapid heartbeat.

A wide range of contaminants in your indoor air can contribute to COPD, including:

• Dust mites.
• Pet dander.
• Fumes from cleaning products.
• Chemicals from paint and building products.
• Second-hand smoke.

Besides regularly maintaining your HVAC system, you can also invest in an air purifier or humidifier to reduce indoor air pollution in your home. If you need professional advice on how to improve your indoor air quality, let us help. Give Central Heating Consultants a call at 850-270-4352.

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