Summertime Threats to your Indoor Air Quality

Summer is in full effect! And with the summer heat, comes more time spent indoors. Sure, blasting the AC on a hot evening feels amazing, but there are various threats that could easily sabotage your indoor air quality. The air quality inside your home is important to your health and overall safety. So what are common summertime threats to your indoor air quality?

Common causes of poor indoor air quality:

Air contaminants such as dust, mold, bacteria, gases, vapor, mold, or chemicals.

Changes to the indoor environment. Such as poor air circulation, temperature, humidity, and type of ventilation system.

So you may ask yourself, with all these summertime threats, why is my indoor air quality so important?

summertime threats

Whether you just moved into a new home or office space, or you have been living in the same place for years, you may develop allergies or a cough that is related to the indoor environment. Sometimes, these health issues are hard to pinpoint. There isn’t a lot of awareness in regard to home air testing. This is a simple test that can change your entire lifestyle. An irritated throat, sinus issues, unexplained headaches, and other symptoms may disappear once you’ve taken care of an indoor air problem.

Most importantly, there may be air contaminants lingering inside your home, which are invisible to the naked eye. Some of these air contaminants may include toxic vapors, volatile organic compounds from solvents, glues, pesticides, or disinfectants. Other possible contaminants may come from building materials, such as asbestos, fiberglass, gases, and others. Water intrusion can result in environmental hazards as well as damage to the structure of a home or building. This can also create mold and other indoor air quality problems.

Some people may experience symptoms within hours and feel better once they leave the area. Others may develop symptoms over time. This is why it is crucial to get a home air tester.

We specialize in improving the quality and health of indoor environments by identifying odorless and invisible air pollutants. We have practiced our methods for over 25 years to become a leader in indoor air quality issues throughout Dayton, Ohio.

We cover Butler and Warren Counties, including Mason, Lebanon, Middletown, West Chester, and Liberty Township. Schedule an appointment with us at (937) 433-5202 or (513) 361-0015. Photo kindly by Laura Pratt

4 Signs You’re Suffering from Allergies

Allergies can be caused by a variety of factors in your environment, especially true for those in Dayton. But did you know that even if you’ve never had them before, you can develop new allergies as your environment changes? Here are four signs that you probably have allergies. If you do develop allergies, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends limiting your exposure as much as possible to the source, such as avoiding pollen, pets, or other outside allergens that may set you off. You might also consider home air testing.

Senior woman sneezing

Chronic cold-like symptoms

Many people who have allergies don’t know that they do because they assume that they are just sick all the time.  If you notice that you or a loved one always are starting to feel stuffy, sneeze, or have sinus pain, then it may not be just another cold! You may be allergic to something in your home or office’s air ducts, hidden mold, gasses, or seasonal changes.

Itchy or swollen eyes

If you suddenly start to notice extreme eye or nose irritation, then think about things that may have caused it, including changes in the weather. Factors like dust, pollen, or pet dander can cause your eyes to become red and swollen. You may also notice coughing or sneezing.

Ear pain or ear infection

Continuous problems with ear pain or recurring ear infections may also indicate an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, mold, radon, or other seasonal allergens. While there are remedies for temporary relief, eliminating or reducing the factors in your environment are the best solution, such as air duct cleaning, HVAC air maintenance, mold testing and remediation, and water treatments.

Fever

In some cases, allergic reactions can actually cause some a low-grade fever. This is especially true for people who are allergic to pets. Avoiding pets is a good solution. However, without proper cleaning of your air ducts and HVAC system, you may still experience symptoms.

If you find that there are allergens in your home causing these symptoms or would simply like to have your home cleaned of health-threatening elements such as radon gas or mold, then contact the Environmental Doctor in Dayton. We specialize in air duct cleaning, mold testing and remediation, radon testing and mitigation, waterproofing and water treatments, as well as HVAC needs. For information visit our website today.