Home Air Quality Issues Depicted by an Expert: 6 Factors to Consider

In today's world, the air we breathe inside our homes can often be more polluted than the air outside. This is a concerning fact that many of us may not be aware of.

One of the primary sources of indoor air pollution comes from within our homes itself. High heat cooking, especially over open heat, is a significant contributor to PM 2.5, a type of particulate matter that can easily get into our lungs. Appliances like ice machines and refrigerator water spouts can harbor mold, and even showers and washing machines are not immune. Air fresheners, essential oils, and other highly fragranced products may make indoor air pollution even worse.

The good news is that there are air quality monitors available to help us keep track of our indoor air quality. The SwitchBot's Meter Pro, priced around $60, tracks CO2, temperature, and humidity. For a more comprehensive monitoring solution, the Airthings View Plus, costing $300, monitors VOCs, radon, particle and fine particle matter, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. However, it's important to note that specific manufacturers for monitors at the $60 and $330 price points were not explicitly stated in the search results.

The push for net-zero energy efficiency has led to more tightly built buildings with minimal airflow between indoor and outdoor environments. This, coupled with the sources of indoor air pollution mentioned above, can result in indoor air that is five times or more polluted than outdoor air.

Cooking is the No. 1 contributor to indoor air pollution. Cooking with induction makes a tremendous difference to help the air quality. Installing a true exhaust fan can help reduce cooking pollution.

The HVAC system, which circulates air in a home, can also be a source of unseen mold and dust, recirculating polluted air within the home. Regular cleaning of appliances that harbor mold is important to prevent respiratory problems and odors. Mold spores can trigger respiratory problems regardless of allergies.

Both the SwitchBot's Meter Pro and the Airthings View Plus send alerts when dangerous levels of pollutants are reached. This real-time data can help identify and remedy causes of poor air quality. To further minimize VOC exposure, look for low/no-fragrance cleaning products that do their job without covering up smells.

It's also important to be aware of potential health issues associated with indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution can lead to health issues such as headaches, chronic allergies, asthma, and even cancer. There is a lack of data on the safety of using air fresheners around pets, and they may have negative side effects for animals.

In conclusion, understanding the sources of indoor air pollution and taking steps to mitigate them is crucial for maintaining good health. An air quality monitor can provide real-time data on air quality, helping to identify and remedy causes of poor air quality. By making conscious choices about the products we use and the habits we adopt, we can create a healthier living environment for ourselves and our loved ones.