How Air Quality Affects Health

Whether you live in an urban loft in Europe or a rural farmhouse in Kansas, there’s one thing we all have in common: We need air to breathe. In a perfect world, we’d all like to breathe uncontaminated air, but this can be harder to accomplish than you think. You might imagine if you avoid the smoggy skies of downtown neighborhoods or congested freeways, you’re largely safe from poor quality air, but the biggest concern to most people’s health is actually indoor air quality.

Sadly, it’s true: Poor indoor air quality has the potential to do more harm to your health than car exhaust ever could. Because most people now spend the majority of their lives indoors, it’s important to study indoor air quality and figure out how to purify the air we’re breathing in our homes. Let’s take a closer look at why indoor air quality matters and what you can do to protect yourself and your home.

Indoor air pollutants come from common sources like carpet fibers, paint, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in fabric dyes. A combination of moisture and heat can also lead to hidden mold, a dangerous pollutant. Short of living in a bubble, there’s no way we can avoid all of these contaminants. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to mitigate the serious effects of poor indoor air quality, which can lead to sickness and even death. In 2016, 2.6 million people died around the world from conditions related to poor indoor air quality, with the most common illnesses being pneumonia, stroke, and lung cancer.

According to the EPA, exposure to indoor air pollution can lead to immediate health effects, but related symptoms may not show up for years. Examples of immediate symptoms to pollutant exposure can include headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes and throat. Long-term effects may include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases or cancer.

Air Quality Studies

There a couple key studies relating to indoor air quality, but many hold the view that there are huge gaps in knowledge in this area. While institutions such as the World Health Organization track the number of worldwide deaths from air pollution, other committees and universities have researched how indoor air quality affects the human body and recommended policy changes to improve conditions. Two of the biggest research endeavors are:

THADE: The EU-funded “Towards Healthy AIr Dwellings in Europe” (THADE) project evaluated data on the health effects of air pollution in dwellings and cost-effective ways to improve conditions. They then created a report summarizing their findings and policy recommendations in Europe.
PINCHE: The PINCHE project looked at air pollution threats in children’s environments and recommended further research on indoor air and related contaminants.

The Future of Air Quality

So, what does the future of indoor air quality look like? During the summer of 2018, HOMEchem, the largest indoor air quality study in the United States, is taking place at The University of Texas at Austin. HOMEchem brings together research teams from 15 universities who will carefully assess the types of contaminants that exist and attempt to determine which conditions promote the most contaminants.

On top of research, many products are hitting the market that will help homeowners monitor their air quality and make improvements. The Foobot, for instance, is a monitor that constantly checks a building’s air for pollution and alerts you when the air quality is reaching a dangerous point. Air filters with a high MERV rating also protect you against a lot of airborne germs and pollution.

Are you worried about the indoor air quality in your home or business? Contact Bob Jenson today to get an evaluation of your HVAC system. A duct cleaning and filter change are a good place to start when it comes to improving the air quality in the places you breathe most.

It’s Better To Know…

Indoor air quality is affected by a wide range of factors — everything from pet dander to cleaning products to dust bunnies can reduce the ability to breathe easily within your home. Because of the direct impact your air quality has on your health and safety, it’s imperative to have indoor air quality tested regularly to rule out any cause for concern.

Fortunately, there are some home tests you can carry out yourself to determine whether you’re breathing in common pollutants like radon, carbon monoxide, mold, or VOCs. Conducting these tests could help your peace of mind and create a healthier, happier home.

1. Radon Testing

Radon is a radioactive gas that you can’t smell or see. Though a small amount is present in the air we breathe daily, it is problematic when radon enters your home and becomes more concentrated inside. If you breathe in too much radon, it can cause serious damage to your health. Some reports even indicate that over-exposure to radon could cause lung cancer.

The EPA suggests that one in every fifteen homes in the United States has a radon problem. Because radon exposure may be asymptomatic at first, you should test your home to determine the radon levels present in your house. There are various do-it-yourself kits that you can buy online or at a home improvement store. These puck-shaped devices use charcoal and other substances to absorb the chemicals in the air. After a short period of time, you send the canister back to a lab for analysis.
If the levels of radon in your home are high, you’ll need to work with a professional to remediate the issue.

Mold Testing

Mold is one of the most common indoor contaminants. That’s because mold is everywhere, and it grows rapidly in temperatures between 30 and 100 degrees. While it’s easy enough to spot visible mildew in your property, which looks like tiny black spots, it’s harder to get a full view of your mold situation.

A mold test provides a snapshot of the mold particles in your home in a certain space, at a certain time. Of course, the number of spores can fluctuate depending on when you perform the test. That’s why it’s best to access the help of a professional. There are three forms of mold tests available:

• Air testing: This samples the concentration of the spores in your home’s air.
• Surface test: This takes samples from household surfaces to find the mold growth in your home. You can collect samples with swabs.
• Bulk testing: This involves collecting small pieces of material from around your home. That material is then transported to a lab and examined.

Carbon Monoxide Testing

Carbon monoxide (CO) is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” and can be one of the most dangerous substances in any American household. In fact, the CDC suggests that around 2,250 people died of carbon monoxide poisoning between 2010 and 2015.

The good news is that most people now have CO detectors pre-installed in their homes, and efforts to prevent CO poisoning are widespread — in fact, California state law requires CO detectors for many homes. Similar to smoke alarms, these detectors can save lives. If you don’t have an alarm (and are not required to by law), or you’re worried about CO gasses, then you should ask an HVAC contractor to come and check your air.

Aside from a professional test, be on the lookout for signs of CO. Frequent condensation is often an indication of excessive carbon monoxide, as is a flickering or inconsistent pilot light.

VOC Testing

Finally, VOCs, or “volatile organic compounds,” are chemicals emitted as gasses from various products around your home. They can be created by everything from your air fresheners to your perfumes. In general, the concentrations of these chemicals can be up to 100 times higher indoors than they are outdoors.

You can measure VOCs by collecting samples and submitting them for analysis in a laboratory, which will use techniques like GC-MS to pinpoint signs of harmful or toxic chemicals. Analysis can then be conducted by experts using thermal desorption, which highlights the intensity of the VOCs in your home.

How your HVAC can Help

Once you’ve finished testing your home for signs of contaminants, the most important thing you can do is make sure that you have a way to protect yourself against those substances. Filtration through your HVAC system can eliminate, or at least reduce, various VOCs and other substances.

Homeowners can even add a HEPA filter into their existing HVAC system or upgrade their machine to ensure that you maintain a higher quality of air within your home. HEPA filtration can remove 99.97% of the particulate matter in your home, provided that it’s larger than 0.3 microns.

As a system that helps circulate and manage the air in your home, your HVAC system is crucial to protecting you against the various contaminants that may harm your health. Reach out to Bob Jenson today to learn more about how to maximize your indoor air quality.

How Indoor Air Can Affect You

What comes to mind when you think of air pollution: Car emissions? Smog? Soot? While outdoor air pollution can be a danger to your health, your indoor air can also contain as many, if not more, pollutants. In fact, certain particles and gases in your indoor environments — whether that’s home, workplace, or office — might be the direct cause of certain health issues.

Low indoor air quality can be responsible for anything from mild discomfort to dangerous health risks. The more you know about indoor air pollution, the easier you can filter and clean your air. Here are some of the most common (and potentially dangerous) air contaminants and how they may impact your health.

Carbon Monoxide

Created from the combustion of fossil fuels, wood, charcoal, propane, and gas, this odorless, colorless gas prevents oxygen from circulating throughout your body tissues — so the higher the carbon monoxide levels, the more your health is negatively affected. In the absence of proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up without you knowing it.

The impact of carbon monoxide can vary, and common symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Elevated heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting and nausea
• Weakness and dizziness

Asbestos

Asbestos is often considered a thing of the past after it was very publicly linked to specific health issues. While it’s less common today, it’s still an issue in many older buildings.

Asbestos is a group of naturally-occurring minerals found in older building components like insulation or floor tiles. While the materials aren’t hazardous when their fibers are intact, inhaling broken fibers can cause health issues if they get trapped in your lungs.

Symptoms and signs of asbestos-related diseases can remain dormant for years following exposure. Asbestos may cause:

• Tightness and pain in your chest
• Anemia and fatigue
• Blood in your lungs
• Shortness of breath
• A persistent cough

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is a common pollutant in many environments. Though public areas and office buildings are less affected, residences and bars can still expose you to environmental tobacco smoke. It is assumed that secondhand smoke isn’t as dangerous as smoking, but studies have shown that it can seriously harm a person’s health over time.

Common symptoms of short and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Pneumonia
• Eye irritation
• Lung cancer

Pet Dander

Pet dander is comprised of the particles your beloved furry friends release into the air and most commonly contain fur and skin particles. Pet dander is more dangerous if you suffer from allergies, but it can also take a toll on a healthy immune system due to constant exposure.

Some symptoms caused by pet dander include:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Running nose
• Itchy and dry eyes
• Pain in your chest
• Breathing difficulties
• Headaches

With these health risks in mind, it’s crucial to clean up after your pets regularly.

Lead

Lead is a natural element in the water, soil, and air; however, when ingested in high doses, it can be highly toxic. You often find lead in plumbing materials, pipes, old batteries, and gasoline. Once you inhale this substance, it circulates through your body via your bloodstream and gets stored in your bones. Over time, the lead buildup can impact everything from your nervous system to your brain.

Some of the symptoms of lead poisoning include:

• Anemia
• Hearing problems
• Slow development
• Low IQ
• Behavioral or learning problems

Mold

Mold spores are another common pollutant that, when inhaled frequently, lead to health issues. Moisture allows mold to grow and thrive, which releases tiny spores into the atmosphere. When you breathe these spores in, it causes serious damage to your health with problems like pneumonia, asthma, sinusitis, and other afflictions. Some types of mold are more dangerous than others, but all mold is known for causing respiratory issues.

Common symptoms of mold exposure include:

• Throat irritation
• Eye irritation
• Itching
• Wheezing or coughing
• Sneezing

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs include a wide range of chemicals that appear in products you use each day, such as cleaners, solvents, degreasers, and household cleaning agents. These substances can also be found in colognes and perfumes.

Consistent exposure to VOCs can cause:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Liver, kidney or central nervous system damage
• Nose, throat and eye discomfort
• Lack of coordination
• Coughing

If you’ve noticed any of the signs or symptoms above, it’s important to work on improving your air quality as quickly as possible. Look into ways to help filter your indoor air and reach out to the experts at Bob Jenson to find out how your HVAC can help deliver quality, contaminant-free air to keep your family safe.

Putting the Kibosh on Allergy Triggers

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a host of allergens — from dust and pollen to pet dander. While you might not be able to cure your allergies, you can banish some of the triggers that make them worse, by learning how to properly clean and maintain a fresher home.

Plenty of typical spring cleaning chores can help to remove allergen issues and relieve your symptoms. Below are the top 6 things you can clean at the start of the season, to give yourself the best chances of a sniffle-free springtime.

Mattress, Pillows, and Bedding

As one of the items we launder less frequently, your bedding is a common source of allergen build-up. Considering the fact that you spend hours each night laying on your mattress and pressing your face into your pillows, bedroom exposure to allergens can be a significant trigger.

Vacuum your mattress to get rid of any dust and debris, and throw your bedding into the washing machine at least once a month at 140 degrees to kill dust mites. Research suggests that adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil in your laundry could eliminate more than 90% of dust mites.

Some down and fiber pillows can be cleaned in your washing machine, but you’ll need to check the labels for specific instructions.

Curtains and Drapes

Your window treatments can act as traps for dust and outside allergens, so cleaning them regularly can help soothe your symptoms throughout the warmer months. Use a vacuum attachment to suck dust away from drapes monthly, and remember to launder curtains if they’re washing-machine friendly.

If you have blinds that you can’t launder, use either a microfiber cloth or a slightly damp rag to pick up stray dust particles. If you and your family regularly suffer from allergies, it may be a good idea to remove soft furnishings from your home wherever possible, as these are the items most likely to gather dust.

Spaces Around Doors and Windows

The areas around your doors and windows can gather dust very quickly, and they’re often overlooked in the regular cleaning schedule. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that regular dusting in every nook can help to eliminate pervasive allergens.

Since traditional dusting practices can lift particles into the air and make symptoms worse, consider using a treated or damp cloth that attracts the dust instead of scattering it. If your allergies are particularly bad, wear a mask while you do this, for extra protection. Dust at least once or twice a week for the best results.

Large Furniture

Large pieces of furniture like sofas and chairs can be difficult to clean, but they’re also a significant source of allergens. If you have pets in your home that often curl up on your furniture, this could be making your symptoms worse. In America, up to 30% of people with allergies have reactions to dogs and cats.

Vacuum the areas around your furniture and in the nooks and crannies of the furniture itself, to help control your exposure to dust and pet dander. As with dusting, vacuuming can also spread particles through the air and trigger symptoms. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter can help solve this problem. Vacuum at least once a week, and launder any soft coverings for your furniture once a month.

Bathroom and Shower Area

When cleaning for allergies, it’s important to keep dampness under control. Machines that control humidity can be useful in this instance, but it’s also useful to check your bathroom and kitchen for signs of moisture. The more you keep on top of humidity, the less likely you are to end up with mold spores floating around the home.

Wipe down damp walls and floors with a microfiber cloth after a bath or shower. Spread out shower curtains when you’re not using the shower, to ensure that there’s plenty of room for air to circulate.

Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system should be at the top of your spring cleaning list. Many problems associated with indoor quality link back to a filter problem or an issue with HVAC performance.

A good system pumps clean air throughout your home, while removing stale air into the atmosphere outside. However, if your ventilation system isn’t working properly, it could be blowing dust around your property, or filling your home with outdoor allergens. The best thing you can do to make sure your machine is working effectively is to get it professionally inspected annually.

Regular HVAC maintenance is necessary at least once a year to help keep allergens under control. For help spring-servicing your heating and cooling system, contact Bob Jenson today for an HVAC health check.

School Indoor Air Quality a Growing Concern

In America, the average elementary school child will spend about 940 hours inside an educational building this school year. While most of us know that poor air quality at school can contribute to health issues like asthma and allergies, fewer recognize that indoor air quality can impact our kids’ productivity, mood, and energy levels, too.

The rising concerns around indoor air quality, or IAQ, in schools are being highlighted by the increase in respiratory disease among children. Poor air quality damages both health and academic achievement. One study found that student performance can improve by 15% when ventilation rates increase.

If your child is having problems at school, the problem could be with the air they’re breathing.

The Danger of Poor IAQ

Roughly half of the schools in the U.S. have subpar air quality, according to the National Center for Education.

The following symptoms could be a sign that your child is suffering from the effects of poor indoor air quality:

• Increased absence from school: Your child might be suffering from allergies, respiratory infections, and adverse reactions to chemical exposure that leads to illness. In the case of asthmatic children, respiratory problems lead to 14 million missed school days each year.
• Problems with concentration: Because of higher levels of carbon dioxide and poor ventilation, many students don’t get enough oxygen into their system. This can lead to fatigue, headaches, and confusion during school. This not only damages comfort, but also a child’s ability to learn.
• Irritation and coughing: Mold and dampness around a school facility can lead to throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, headaches, and exhaustion. These particles are detrimental to young immune systems.
• Of course, teachers breathe the same air as students and thus can suffer the same effects, further affecting the quality of education.

What Contributes to Poor School Air Quality?

There are a range of substances that can contribute to poor school air quality, including temperature, humidity, and pollutants. Because children’s bodies are still developing, they’re particularly vulnerable to the impact of various substances, including:

• VOCs and chemicals: Furnishings, building materials, and even common cleaning products can release dangerous particles into the air, contributing to a range of health problems.
• Aging buildings: Many schools are quite old, and not all districts have the budget for extensive upgrades (the average school building is about 55 years old). The result is that many schools struggle with water damage, leaks, and excessive exposure to moisture, which can lead to mold, dust, and other allergens conducive to poor IAQ.
• Poor ventilation: Inadequate HVAC systems and ventilation can result in high carbon dioxide levels and exposure to harmful airborne particles. These issues can also contribute to bacteria and mold growth.
• Exposure to exterior pollution: Schools are also frequently exposed to diesel emissions from buses, and pollution from nearby highways.

How to Tackle Poor Indoor Air Quality at Schools

A clean and consistent supply of healthy indoor air is essential for a good classroom environment. Your children need a well-ventilated school that focuses on keeping airflow moving throughout the building, preventing air from stagnating or becoming contaminated with particles and chemicals.
Parents should speak with school administrators to ensure that HVAC systems are regularly updated and operated, and that windows are frequently opened for fresh air.

According to studies from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, increases in the rate of classroom ventilation are frequently associated with improved student performance. Improving ventilation and limiting the use of dangerous chemicals and toxins can be an important first step towards healthier students — both physically and mentally.

Additionally, cleaning the air with a purification system can help to improve the air substantially.

Bob Jenson Air Conditioning and Heating installs and repairs air filtration systems that are built to improve air quality and remove unwanted particles. Learn more about our air filtration services.