Do you suffer from headaches, runny or itchy eyes, blocked sinuses, asthma, dizziness, nausea, fatigue or having trouble concentrating? If so you might be suffering from illnesses brought on by indoor pollutants. Although you don’t realize it your home could be full of things that are making you ill. When people think about pollutants they instantly think about chemicals and other harmful substances but indoor pollutants can be much more innocent and are often not even seen by the naked eye.
If you feel as though your home or office could be making you ill there are different things that you need to consider. Take a look at the list of indoor pollutants that could easily be in your home and contributing to your illness:
Pet dander – This is the dandruff that occurs on animals very much like it does on humans. However when pets groom themselves they will spread their saliva all over their bodies, then when they shed their dander this saliva covered dandruff gets in to the air and fabrics causing irritation to some people. This irritation can take the form of skin complaints or breathing difficulties, runny eyes and nose and sneezing fits. One of the problems with this dander is that it is covered in protein which comes from the pet’s saliva and it is this can be the main source of irritation, especially if you are prone to allergies. To get rid of pet dander you should vacuum regularly and change pet bedding, do not allow your pet into your bedroom as this can make your symptoms worse. You should also fit HEPA filters into your air conditioners and buy a HEPA filter vacuum.
Dust mites – These live everywhere and can be very tricky to get rid of totally. They live on dead skin cells and microscopic bits of discarded food and their feces can cause breathing difficulties and skin irritation. To remedy the problem vacuum regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, keep surfaces clean and fit HEPA filters into air conditioning systems. HEPA filters catch 99.995% of airborne particles and ensure clean air in residential and commercial properties.
Radon – This is a naturally occurring noble gas that is thought to be responsible for thousands of lung cancer related deaths in the US every year. Radon gets sucked into houses through their basements and occurs when radium decays. Houses can be tested for radon and if found radon mitigation systems can be fitted and run cheaply and efficiently reducing the levels of radon indoors.
Carbon Monoxide – This is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is a by product of combustion. Appliances that burn fuel can all leak carbon monoxide if they are old or not properly maintained. CO gas is a killer and if you suffer from lethargy, nausea, dizziness and headaches, you should install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If appliances leak CO gas the detector will sound and alert you to the danger.
Pollen – This can enter the house though open doors and windows and is a massive irritant for people who suffer from hay fever. In order to keep pollen levels to a minimum you should close doors and windows when the pollen count is high and use HEPA filters on air conditioning systems. Using a HEPA filter vacuum can also help to reduce the levels of pollen that are stuck on carpets and in upholstery.
There are of course other irritants within the home that could be making you ill such as household cleaning chemicals and tobacco smoke and these should also be kept to a minimum. Smokers should only smoke outside to prevent passive smoking and make sure that doors are kept shut whilst they are doing so.
Your local HVAC technician can help you properly fit your air conditioner with HEPA filters. Allergy proof the air in your home or office so that you can live a more comfortable life.

With the number of people suffering from asthma and other breathing problems increasing weekly it is important that you know just how many indoor pollutants there are in your home. Years ago people believed that just by keeping your home clean you were getting rid of anything harmful that could cause you to be ill, this is not the case today. There are many different things that can all contribute to illness and breathing problems and they are polluting the air you breath inside the cleanest homes constantly.
If you suffer from breathing difficulties or someone in your family does you might be shocked to learn just how many pollutants could be lurking in your home such as:
-Dust mites: These tiny microscopic creatures live in bed mattresses, fabric and carpets all around your home and they feed on human and pet skin, discarded food particles and any other organic products in your home. Dust mites then produce faeces which are inhaled and can be a major irritant for people who suffer from asthma and other breathing problems.
-Pet dander: This is basically pet dandruff which is produced much in the same way that human dandruff is produced. However as animals groom themselves they will get saliva onto their fur and skin and this contains protein which can produce allergic reactions in some people.
-Cockroach droppings: These can induce allergic reactions in certain people and as they mix with other irritants they can become even more potent.
-Mold: Mold thrives in damp, warm conditions and will grow at an alarming rate if left alone. Mold produces spores which are tiny and can float in the air which means they can easily be breathed in. Certain types of mold are actually poisonous so if you have a mold problem in your home you should get it treated as soon as possible to avoid any major problems.
-Tobacco smoke: Everyone knows how dangerous tobacco is and it makes sense not to allow people to smoke in your home as passive smoking can be deadly. If you smoke yourself make an effort to do it outside so that you do not pollute the air in your home for yourself and others.
-Radon: This is a naturally occurring gas which can be sucked into house through the basement and can lead to lung cancer. Get your home checked to see if there is any radon present.
-Carbon monoxide: This is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that is produced in appliances that use combustion such as air conditioners and heating. CO poisoning can kill so you should fit CO detectors in your home to alert you to any potential leaks.
-Pollen: This can get into your house and aggravate certain conditions such as hay fever and asthma. When the pollen levels are high in your area make sure that you keep doors and windows closed and if possible have your air conditioning on to eliminate the risk of pollen.
One of the best ways to combat pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander and cockroach droppings make sure that you clean all surfaces including upholstery regularly and change bed sheets each week. Use HEPA filters in your air conditioning system – this will eliminate 99.995% of all airborne particles from the air – keeping you healthy. Invest in a HEPA vacuum which will trap all particles caught in carpets and upholstery, you can then safely dispose of them in the trash.
Contact your local HVAC technician for advice on making your air conditioner pollutant proof and help you with any aspect of improving your air quality. HVAC technicians work with residential and commercial properties and will work with you to bring you a clean air solution that meets your needs.