5 Sources of Major Pollutants

Considering how much time the average person spends inside, it's sad that more people don't take air quality seriously. There are a host of common air pollutants that can seriously impact the health of both apartment renters and Boston homeowners. Here's a quick rundown of the most prevalent sources of contaminants that will degrade indoor air quality.

Biological Contaminants

Mold and pollen are the two biggest biological threats to indoor air quality. Mold can be potentially deadly if it isn't addressed quickly. Water damage is the typical culprit.

When it arises, yanking out insulation and drywall is often the only solution. Pollen issues arise when outside air is allowed to seep into the living space.

Outdated Building Materials

When it comes to the safety of construction materials, hindsight is always 20/20. Asbestos and lead-based paints are great examples.

Even if they're hidden behind drywall and plaster, those substances can affect indoor air quality in a big way. The good news is that testing for things like asbestos and lead is pretty easy and fairly cheap.

HVAC Filters and Ducting

Every house has ducts, registers and filters that determine how clean the indoor air will be. As such, cleaning air pathways and replacing certain elements is just common sense. If you think that your indoor air quality is suffering due to HVAC issues, have a certified professional inspect and repair the infrastructure.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Otherwise known as VOCs, volatile organic compounds come in many forms and can be released by all manner of materials ranging from wood to carpeting. Paints and varnishes in particular are notorious for releasing VOCs in spades. The negative effects of VOCs are hard to predict and depend on the health of each individual concerned.

Noxious Cleaning Products

Cleaning staples like bleach or ammonia can irritate the skin and throats of particularly sensitive individuals. Furniture polishes are another category of cleaners that often exacerbate allergies and negatively impact the health of residents in a variety of housing situations. Fortunately, there are many organic cleaners based on non-toxic chemicals that can be used instead.

Knowing Is Half the Battle

Obviously, there are other serious air pollutants out there besides the ones specified here. The point is that awareness of air quality threats in your Boston home goes a long way. Do a little research here and there so that you're not caught unprepared when irritants rear their ugly heads.

Stop ruining the air quality in your Boston, MA home. Call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning today at (617) 566-6990 to get further insight and assistance on this issue.