Common Airborne Contaminants

How Common Airborne Contaminants Affect Your Home or Office

Serving all of Greater Clark County & Portland-Metro Areas

Many people underestimate the impact of poor indoor air quality on their health. Airborne contaminants are linked to a variety of health conditions. Those include eye rashes, sore throat, and breathing problems. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep your indoor air healthy and clean.

How Do Airborne Contaminants Get Indoors?

From pets to poor ventilation, there are many things that can pollute your indoor air. Sources of airborne pollutants include cigarette smoke, biological contaminants, and combustion pollutants.

• Cigarette Smoke

  There are more than 7,000 types of chemicals in a cigarette. When a person smokes indoors, these chemicals are released into the air. Although cigarette smoke is invisible, it can stay in the air for hours.

• Biological Contaminants

  Mold, dander, and mildew are types of biological contaminants. They come from living things. Sources of these types of air pollutants include people, insects, pests, and moisture.

• Combustion Pollutants

  Appliances that burn fuel are known as combustion pollutants. Common types of these pollutants include gas stoves/ovens, furnaces, fireplaces, and water heaters. Regular tune-ups can keep your fuel-burning appliances clean and optimize their performance.

How Can You Minimize Indoor Air Pollution?

It may not be possible to eliminate all indoor air pollutants. However, there are plenty of ways to minimize indoor air pollution. These include:

• Bathe and brush your pets regularly
• Turn on the exhaust fan while cooking
• Avoid odor-masking fragrances
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture
• Vacuum your floors frequently

Changing air filters is an easy and inexpensive way to get rid of airborne contaminants. When shopping for air filters, choose one that will capture a variety of air pollutants.

Premium air filters offer the highest level of protection. They capture large particles such as pollen, dust mites, and household debris. Some high-quality air filters can capture mold spores, bacteria, smog, and smoke.

Installing air purifiers in your home or office can remove particles of any size. In fact, air purifiers can remove up to 99.97% of airborne germs, bacteria, and some viruses

Eliminating airborne contaminants requires consistent action. By investing a little time and money, you can make your indoor air comfortable and healthy.

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