Indoor Air Quality in Des Moines, IA

People often say they are going to step outside for a breath of fresh air. When they do so, they truly don’t realize how clean the air is outdoors compared to what they are breathing in the home. In addition, indoor air pollutants can lead to long-term health effects, which is why people need to be concerned. 

Immediate Health Effects

When indoor air quality is poor, a person may suffer from headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. The eyes, nose, and throat may become irritated as well. Fortunately, these effects tend to be short-lived and are easily treated. 

In many cases, the removal of the irritant is enough to make the symptoms disappear. However, individuals with certain diseases, such as asthma, might find their condition is aggravated by exposure to the pollutant. 

Whether a person will react to a pollutant depends on many things. Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, the very young, and the elderly remain most at risk of a reaction. Individual sensitivity also plays a role. 

People often blame a cold or viral disease on the symptoms they are experiencing. However, if the symptoms persist, other causes need to be considered. Contact us for professional indoor air quality services. 

Long-Term Health Issues

A person may not realize there is a problem with the air quality in the home for years. It isn’t until they develop cancer, heart disease, or a chronic respiratory issue that they learn the air within the home was a problem. Every person should look into indoor air quality services in Des Moines to reduce the risk of long-term health problems. 

The problem researchers encounter when trying to learn more about the health effects of indoor pollutants is they cannot say what concentration of pollutants brings about these issues. They also don’t know how long a person must be exposed before these problems arise. Every person reacts differently, which is why more research is needed in this area. 

Until researchers can provide more information on the health effects of indoor pollutants and who is at risk, every person must work on improving air quality in the home. 

Improving Air Quality in the Home

Several steps may be taken to improve air quality in the home. Homeowners can carry out some steps on their own. However, other steps require the help of a professional. 

Eliminate Pollutants

Begin by eliminating potential pollutants from the home. Common contaminants include radon, cleaning products, and secondhand smoke. The pollutants present in the air determine what measures should be taken to eliminate them. 

Have the Air Quality Tested

Test the air quality in the home. At-home test kits are available but typically only check for a few pollutants. Call a professional to have a comprehensive air quality test to learn exactly what pollutants are present and how to address them. 

Minimize Allergens in the Home

Clean the home regularly to remove dirt and dust mites that can aggravate allergies. Brush and bathe pets regularly to reduce animal-related allergens. If mold is found in the home, have it professionally remediated so the problem does not return. 

Purify the Air

Invest in a whole-house or portable air purifier. Multiple portable units might be needed to cover the entire home, so consider the cost of both options before deciding. Choose a unit that makes use of a HEPA filter to remove more pollutants from the air. 

Increase Ventilation

Improve the ventilation in the home by regularly changing filters in the HVAC system. Having the air ducts cleaned removes pollutants in the ductwork. In addition, use caulk and weatherstripping to close any holes that may allow air into the residence.

Decrease Dampness

High humidity levels in the home promote the growth of mold. In some cases, VOCs may leach into the air. Install a whole-house dehumidifier if the home often remains damp. In addition, have the HVAC system checked, as it works to remove humidity from the air. 

Contact us to learn more about improving the air quality in the home. The first step involves testing the air to learn what is present. Once the test results come in, a plan can be made to clean the air. 

Doing so improves the health of every person living in the home. This is one step every homeowner needs to take promptly. Call today to get on the schedule and breathe clean air once again. 

About Advanced Problem Solutions

Advanced Problem Solutions has been serving the central Iowa area for more than two decades. We put our customers first at all times and only recommend those products and services a client needs. Our goal is to keep the household systems running efficiently at all times. Contact us today and schedule an indoor air quality consultation in Des Moines today.