You take lots of different steps to protect your health and the health of your family, but did you know that one of the biggest health threats might be the air inside of your home? According to the EPA, the average indoor environment is up to five times more toxic than outside air, and in some cases indoor air pollution has been found to be 100 times worse. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to improve the air quality inside your home and protect your family from the negative health effects of indoor air pollution.
Get Your Home Tested
First and foremost, you should know just how bad the air quality is inside your home. Air testing services in San Francisco can test your indoor air quality so you know exactly what type of contaminants and pollutants you need to eliminate or get under control. Testing services can also detect the presence of dangerous particles such as mold, asbestos, and lead.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
One of the best things you can to do in order to improve your home’s indoor air quality is ensure that your home is properly ventilated . For example, make sure that all fuel-burning appliances are vented to the outside well away from windows and HVAC intakes to eliminate breathing in toxic combustion fumes. When weather permits, open doors and windows to air out your home with fresh air.
Minimize Chemical Pollutants
Some of the leading contributors of indoor air pollution are the chemicals people use every day. To improve the air quality inside your home, minimize the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and most all aerosol sprays. You should also look for low-emitting products that have been certified and labeled by reputable organizations such as Green Seal. Manufacturer claims of “no VOC” or “eco-friendly” should be inspected and verified before you use said product in your home.