What are Indoor Air Pollutants and where do they come from?

If you've been following our blog, you should have a good understanding of the difference between air filters and air cleaners and what affects they have on the quality of the air in your home (if not, be sure to check out those posts!). So let's dig a little deeper into what exactly those filters and cleaners are fighting against with a discussion on indoor air pollutants.

Any time you hear someone talk about indoor air quality, what they are referring to is the amount of airborne pollutants in your home. These pollutants have a direct impact on the health of your family, because they can cause colds and flus and aggravate allergies and asthma.

What are examples of indoor air pollutants?

There are a number of different things that pollute your air. These include dust mite feces, mold, chemicals, smoke, bacteria and fungi. These pollutants are separated into three different categories: particles, germs and gasses. We'll go over each one of these in detail in future blog posts.

Where do indoor air pollutants come from?

Air pollutants come from all kinds of things around your house. Here are just a few examples:

• Carpets — Carpets are the perfect home for dust mites and pet dander, both of which can trigger allergies and aggravate asthma. They also release the chemical formaldehyde into the air
• Pets — Dogs, cats and other furry pets produce dander and hair that are also bad for people who suffer from allergies and asthma
• Cleaning products — Cleaning products like disinfectant sprays, insecticides and air fresheners produce unhealthy chemicals that pollute your air
• Toiletry products — Personal care products like perfume and hair spray also release chemicals into your air
• Paints and stains — Another source of unhealthy chemicals
• Bathrooms and other humid rooms — Any part of your home that is high in humidity, especially your bathrooms, are susceptible to mold growth that can make you sick

Installing a quality air cleaner is a great way to remove these pollutants and keep your air fresh and your family healthy. If you have any questions about air pollutants, contact Comfort Incorporated, your Oklahoma City heating and air conditioning company.