air quality

Air Quality and COVID-19

Posted on by EnvDoc Writer

Air Quality and COVID-19


How does indoor air quality impact COVID-19 transmission?


As the weather gets colder and people are spending more time indoors, healthcare professionals and engineers believe that indoor air purifiers could play a role in helping protect your family from COVID-19.


Air purifiers are not a cure-all, CDC guidelines should be closely followed regarding hand washing, social distancing, and face masks. However, personal air purifiers for your home or office may offer an additional layer of protection when used in conjunction with these other recommended precautions.


It is widely accepted that the coronavirus can spread in multiple ways. It is unclear how much droplets, and contaminated surfaces, compared to aerosolized particles are responsible for contributing to the transmission of COVID-19. Yet, according to the technical lead for WHO (World Health Organization), the probability of airborne transmission especially in specific conditions, such as closed, and poorly ventilated indoor settings — cannot be ruled out. More about this can be read at the WHO’s scientific briefing.

Can air purifiers provide an additional layer of protection by removing a percentage of virus particles from the air?

Air Quality and COVID-19

At first air filters were not thought to be very effective at removing the virus from the air since COVID-19 particles are too small for a HEPA filter to reliably catch. However, when these micro-droplets are exhaled by a human they are embedded in saliva and mucus, in fact, the virus cannot live in the air without this protective coating. Thankfully, this also makes the virus particles significantly larger and easily filtered out by quality air purifiers. Recent tests indicate the use of indoor air purifiers can decrease concentrations of virus particles in the air, thus providing a clear benefit by reducing the potential for exposure.

Learn more about the best air purifier for you by taking advantage of in-depth research and reviews in this comprehensive guide from Consumers Advocate. Remember that personal air purifiers also filter out allergens, dust, and chemicals. Although a quality air purifier can be expensive. In this case, the potential benefits outweigh the costs. Think of it as a healthcare tool and investment in your health and future. Indoor air quality is important, and with the additional threat that COVID-19 poses, it is better to be safe than sorry. Schedule a home air quality test from Environmental Doctor and make a plan to improve your indoor air quality today!

As Spring Approaches, Allergies Arise.

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Allergies: As springtime approaches, what’s the air quality in your home?

Air filtration, odor reducers and air cleaning systems… the list can go on and on! But rest assured that the Environmental Doctor in Dayton, Ohio is here to help in regards to personal home air quality. We have qualified technicians who offer the best service for home air testing in Dayton, Ohio. As winter finally comes to a close, many will begin to spring clean and many will experience spring allergies. Although most allergies and sinus problems go away after sometime; for others, they tend to stick around.

Dayton Ohio Allergies Springtime
Photo by Sensei Minimal on https://unsplash.com/photos/F3AblJa7Ys8

Could this be due to your indoor air quality? It could be. There are various factors as to why your sinuses keep flaring up weeks after the initial springtime allergy season. These factors can also be found in your own home.

Dust is the top reason why so many suffer from poor air quality indoors.

Perhaps you’ve used an air purifier or an indoor air filter for months during the winter… well guess what, that dust and those air particles related to animal dander, dust mites and pollen don’t necessarily leave the house. Instead, these particles settle in your furniture, in your carpets and inside other areas of your home. Maybe it’s time to get a home air tester? Other causes for sinus problems and indoor air allergies can be related to your furry friends (dander), cleaning products, houseplants and undetected mold.

If you suffer from nasal dryness, this could lead to thickened mucus, congestion and worsen sinus problems all together. We have to remember that indoor air pollution is usually invisible and rarely thought to be the culprit to our allergies, fatigue, headaches, and sinus problems. After successfully getting an air quality test from our experienced and reliable technicians at Environmental Doctor, we can pinpoint the problem and you can take better care of your health with a peace of mind.

Staying Healthy begins with Home Air Testing

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Do you know the quality of your indoor air using home air testing? Whether it’s your home or office, air quality can make all the difference for you and your family. According to the EPA, indoor air quality can pose as a higher health risk than outside air pollution. Prior tests have shown that pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors in comparison to outdoor levels. You may be asking yourself, why or how is this possible?

Staying Healthy begins with Home Air Testing

home air testingThere are lots of variables as to why your indoor air may be lacking in quality. Mold, formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon and lead found in dust are some of the key factors that lead to poor air quality. Other factors include pollutants found in furniture, bed mattresses included, new or old paint, pet dander and carpet cleaning products. Can your house make you sick? It definitely can. Side effects of poor air quality in your home include: coughing and sneezing, dry or irritated eyes, nose, throat and skin, headaches, fatigue, sensitivity to allergies, sinus congestion, etc. It crucial to keep track of these symptoms but also be mindful of seasonal changes which can help guide you through minimal steps such as reducing humidity or increasing ventilation to sustain good air quality in your home.

Home air testing is the quickest way to answer any questions in regards to your home or office air quality. After having an air test done and having resolved any issues, there are plenty of other ways to sustain great home air quality. Some of these include: door mats since people bring in all sorts of dirt and pollutants under their shoes, mopping with just water can help pick up dust left behind from sweeping, using a HEPA filter with your vacuum ensures the dust gets trapped, dusting with microfiber cloths captures more dust than traditional ones, dehumidifiers and air conditioners helps reduce moisture and reduce allergens.

What can we do to lessen air pollutants in our home? We suggest you find the cause of the irritant in your home first. Whether it’s mold, radon, carbon monoxide, lead paint, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or a blocked air filtration system, you may be able to eliminate the irritant or dilute the pollutant to less hazardous levels. Common VOC’s found in homes includes: acetone, benzene, butanol, carbon disulfide, dichlorobenzene, ethanol, formaldehyde, terpenes, toluene, and xylene. Home air testing kits are super popular in this day and age and are available for purchase online. But buyers beware as they may not accurately produce results and cost about $100 each.