Your home should be a place where you can relax and feel safe. Unfortunately, indoor air pollution is a very real concern that could impact your comfort and health. According to some estimates, indoor air pollutant levels are about 5 times higher than outdoor pollutant levels—a disturbing figure considering that the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. If you suspect that your indoor air isn’t as clean as it could be, let San Francisco indoor air quality experts evaluate your indoor air quality. Here are a few signs that your home may have a high amount of indoor air pollutants.
Unpleasant Smell
If there’s something amiss with your indoor air quality, you’ll likely be able to smell it. Mold has a distinct musty smell, and potentially harmful chemicals may have more of a harsh scent. To determine whether your home has an odd smell, consider going outside for a minute then coming back in.
Throat Discomfort
Do you often wake up with a sore throat? There’s a good chance that your indoor air quality isn’t as good as it could be. A sore throat could be caused by mold spores, or it could be caused by low humidity. If your home has low humidity, you might consider purchasing a humidifier.
Mold Growth
Mold thrives in dark, moist environments. If your indoor humidity is too high, there’s a good chance that mold will start growing on your walls, furniture, and floors. Mold is usually easy to recognize; if mold is growing in your home, you should be able to detect a musty smell and black or green splotches on your indoor surfaces.
Health Concerns
Indoor air pollution can cause a wide range of health concerns, including respiratory disorders and even neurological disorders. Lead exposure—often caused by lead-based paint—can cause behavioral and developmental problems in younger children. If you or your family members feel ill more often than you should, indoor air pollution could be to blame.