Although the Orlando area has comparatively little air pollution outdoors, indoor air quality is still a major concern. To see why, it’s important to understand the most common types of indoor air pollutants and the risks they can potentially pose.
Particulate Matter
Also called particle pollution, particulate matter is the broad term for a complex mix of particles suspended in the air. Particulate matter can encompass a wide range of substances, including dust, soot, smoke, liquid droplets, chemicals, heavy metals and more. Certain types of particle pollution are especially hazardous because they’re able to enter your bloodstream through your lungs. Additionally, while air filters can usually catch larger particles, many other particles are small enough to pass through freely.
Volatile Organic Compounds
You may not know it, but you could be sharing your home with all sorts of potentially harmful compounds. These invisible intruders, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are often produced through a process called off-gassing. The most common sources of VOCs are industrial solvents and other chemicals used in manufacturing. Unfortunately, these chemicals are frequently used in household products, including everything from paints and cleaning supplies to carpets and wood preservatives. Over time, these volatile compounds are emitted as gases and enter the air in your living space.
Biological Pollutants
It’s not just chemicals and inorganic materials that contribute to air pollution. Many indoor air pollutants also come from biological sources, including dust mites, pet and human dander and airborne pathogens. Pests can also cause serious indoor air quality issues, especially if you have dirty air ducts in your home. Although most biological pollutants rarely carry grave health risks, they can often trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Poor air quality is a serious hazard, so having the right treatment plan is essential. For a full range of effective, affordable indoor air quality solutions, trust the air quality specialists at ACR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration.
