February is American Heart Month! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cardiovascular disease kills one person every 34 seconds in the United States. Taking good care of your cardiovascular health is vital to preventing deadly illnesses and living longer.
Although further studies still need to be conducted, indoor air pollution has been linked to heart health in previous peer-reviewed articles. A study by Dr. Joel Kaufman reports the following:
...long-term exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen oxides at levels close to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) can prematurely age blood vessels and contribute to a more rapid buildup of calcium in the coronary artery. This buildup of calcium can restrict blood flow to the heart and other major blood vessels —increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
According to a survey sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend 87% of their time inside enclosed buildings, so it’s important to ensure that the air you breathe is free from impurities. Poor indoor air quality can be caused by a variety of factors, including mold growth.
Good indoor air quality contributes to productivity, efficiency, and better overall health. ServiceMaster by Wright has compiled these tips to improve air quality indoors.
1. Control the Source.
- Identify the sources of poor indoor air quality and take steps to eliminate them through sealing or adjustments to decrease contaminants or emissions.
- Source control is a cost-effective method to keep indoor air quality healthy compared to increasing ventilation because the latter will result in high energy costs.
2. Maintain Clean Surroundings
- Regular vacuuming and effective cleaning methods will greatly reduce indoor air pollution by getting rid of contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander.
- Items with the tendency to attract allergens, such as bedding and curtains, must be washed regularly.
3. Declutter.
- Remove unnecessary household items that can trap dust and significantly contribute to poor indoor air quality.
4. Keep Plants Outdoors.
- While indoor plants can help reduce stress, they can trigger allergies for some people and even aid mold growth.
- If a family member has allergies, it may be best to keep greenery outside.
5. Improve Home Ventilation.
- Proper ventilation helps remove airborne pollutants. Consider installing exhaust fans in kitchens or bathrooms to increase the outdoor air ventilation rate.
- Read the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Saver: Whole-House Ventilation to check house ventilation system options.
6. Utilize Air Purifiers.
- For occupants with allergies, an air purifier can help if the source of indoor air pollution cannot be controlled.
- Place air purifiers in commonly occupied areas of the house to capture allergens and reduce their number.
7. Utilize Air Cleaners.
- While most air cleaners cannot remove gaseous pollutants, they are generally effective at removing particles that are suspended in the air.
- Look up the best type and size of air cleaner that is most suited to your property. Learn more about air cleaners.
8. Change Filters Regularly.
- Air filters prevent contaminated air from being recirculated throughout the home by trapping dust and other airborne particles.
- Replace air filters regularly. Having air ducts cleaned can also significantly lower the risk of recirculating dust.
9. Check for Signs of Mold Growth.
- Contaminated air generated by mold has brought about worldwide death, as reported by the World Health Organization in 2009 in the Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, such as the basement, to prevent mold growth. If mold is noticed, contact a professional mold removal company in Fort Myers, Florida to have it remediated as soon as possible.
10. Allow Fresh Air to Enter.
- Letting fresh air in is a significant factor in promoting healthy indoor air quality. This can be achieved by opening windows and doors or through HVAC outdoor air intakes.
Note that these tips are based on current EPA data. While they cannot completely eliminate indoor air pollution, they can help reduce the contaminants that cause it.
Got Mold? Trust ServiceMaster by Wright, Fort Myers, FL's Trusted Mold Remediation Company
ServiceMaster by Wright is here to help home and business owners from Bradenton to Marco Island, Florida improve air quality indoors through comprehensive mold remediation and specialty cleaning services.
Contact ServiceMaster by Wright today at (239) 431-9947 or message us online for more details.
- IICRC Certified Firm in Fort Myers, Florida
- Four decades of experience
- Highly trained restoration specialists
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Our fully bonded technicians are equipped with state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and have been trained under the industry’s latest and most effective approaches in cleaning and restoration. Don’t know what to do next? We do. Contact us to get started.
