February 20, 2018

The average person takes between 17,000 and 23,000 breaths every day. Despite the fact that most of us spend 90% of our days indoors, we hardly ever think of indoor air quality.

If you don't think the state of the air you breathe while in your home is worth thinking about, you may reconsider after reading these facts.

  1. Indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air
You think cowering in your home and shutting the windows will keep you healthy and safe from toxins? Studies show that indoor air in most homes in the US is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

If you want to improve the air in your home, open the windows and let the fresh air in and the stale air out. You can also invest in a ventilation system that does the same without compromising the efficiency or comfort of your home.

  1. The quality of air isn't obvious
Just because your home is not filled with smoke or other fumes doesn't mean that the quality of air in your home is good. Poor air quality isn't always apparent by smell, sight, or other physical effects. There are various silent polluters such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by electronics.

The only way to know the level of toxins in the air is by having your home tested. This will help you identify toxins and their sources so that you can deal with them.

  1. The kitchen is one of the most polluted rooms in the home
Various toxins are present in the kitchen. The cooking process alone results in the production of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and various other compounds.

Proper ventilation of the kitchen especially while cooking will help to lower the levels of toxins in the air in the kitchen.

  1. There are elevated levels of odorless natural gases that are linked to lung cancer in many homes
Carbon monoxide isn't the only odorless natural gas that is found in homes. Elevated levels of radon gas, an odorless, colorless, natural gas, have been found in one of every fifteen homes in the US. This radioactive gas occurs naturally in soil and is one of the most common causes of lung cancer.

Ensure that your home is well ventilated to reduce exposure to radon gas. Invest in the installation of a vapor barrier to prevent the penetration of radon gas into your basement.