Air Quality Purification - What's In Your Home's Air?

The Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor indoor air quality in Vero Beach among the top five environmental risks to public health (American Lung Association). The moist environment inside your air handling unit can be an ideal breeding ground for biological contaminants and micro-organisms that can then be distributed throughout your home.

Many Florida homeowners are not aware of the health risks associated with mold, bacteria, and viruses that can be living inside of your heating and cooling system.

The EPA states that levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher, and occasionally 100 times higher, than outdoor levels.

In addition, research shows that people spend about 90% of their time indoors. With these facts, it is important for everyone to understand how important it is to protect their health, as well as the health of their family by improving the quality of the air they are breathing.

Did you know...

• 1 out of 6 people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to fungi and bacteria in air duct systems. (Health Magazine)
• Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced years after exposure. (EPA)
• 50% of all illnesses are either caused by, or aggravated by, polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists)

"The air in your house contains pollen, mold, and ozone that leach in from the outdoors, as well as pet dander and pollutants from household cleaning products," says Ted Myatt, ScD, a senior scientist at the consulting firm Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc.

Today's new homes are super insulated and weather tight, which only makes the indoor pollution levels even higher by sealing in airborne toxins that pose an even greater risk."Exposure to indoor pollution is associated with allergies, severe asthma, and hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and even heart attacks,"

Dr. Myatt says considering we spend about 60% of our lives in our home, it's time to clear the air". Improve your Vero Beach or Sebastian area home's indoor air quality with our filtration systems, HEPA Filters and humidifiers.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants

Air pollutants can come from many different sources inside and outside the home. For instance, carpeting and upholstery release chemicals into the air. Harmful vapors can infiltrate your home's indoor environment through the foundation from contaminated ground water and soil that seeps in. This is common with radon and methane vapors.

All types of contaminants and pollutants will circulate through ductwork, entering every room and living space once they have entered your indoor air climate. If ventilation is inadequate, the pollutants can multiply or build up. High temperature and humidity also increase concentrations of some pollutants.

Pollen, dust, dirt, pet dander, insulation and carpet fibers release tiny particulate matter that pollute your home. A common trigger of allergies and asthma, particles are most dangerous when they are small and easily inhaled into the lungs.

Biological Contaminants come from mold spores, dust mites, viruses, fungi, bacteria, yeast and algae. Also known as bioaerosols, these contaminants are mostly organic and thrive in warm, humid environments. Like particles, they are a major cause of allergies.

Chemical vapors come from various sources such as gas appliances, fireplaces, carpets, garages, cleaning products, furniture, paint, perfumes, pesticides and tobacco smoke.

Gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released from materials used during the construction, finishing and furnishing of your home. They can also come from everyday household items like aerosol sprays, paints, cleaning products and air fresheners.*