3 Terrifying Threats to Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Baton Rouge

Are you experiencing sudden headaches? Is your nose or throat irritated? These are just a few of the symptoms you can experience if your home has poor air quality. You might assume that the outdoor air in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is more harmful than the air inside your home. You’d be wrong, though. The air inside most homes is at least five times more polluted. Here are three terrifying threats to healthy indoor air quality and how to prevent or eliminate them:

Biological Pollutants

The most common biological pollutants found in homes include:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Pollen

Living things produce biological pollutants, and many are small enough for a human to inhale. The trick to preventing an outbreak of biological pollutants is to balance your home’s relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent. You can use a dehumidifier to accomplish that in summer and a humidifier in winter. You should also eliminate all sources of standing water, wet surfaces and water-damaged materials. Vacuum and dust your home every week, and groom your pets.

Household Cleaning Products

Some solids and liquids emit volatile organic compounds, including household cleaning products. The chemicals in these cleaning products can have short- and long-term health effects, including central nervous system damage. If you’re storing or using any of the following products in your home, store them outside or switch to natural alternatives:

• Cleansers and disinfectants
• Aerosol sprays
• Paints and paint strippers
• Air fresheners
• Pesticides

In addition, consider installing an air cleaner that will help remove harmful airborne particles.

Carbon Monoxide

The most dangerous enemy on the planet is one that you can’t detect with your five senses. Carbon monoxide is practically a ghost of a gas; you can’t see, taste or the smell its toxic fumes. As a result, it can kill you before you know it’s even around. To protect your family, make sure your home has a carbon monoxide detector. Test it regularly.

Do you want to breathe easier and sleep better in your home? One way to do that is by ensuring your indoor air quality is healthy. Contact Southern Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at (225) 217-6224 to schedule a safety inspection.