People spend so much time thinking about water intake, exercise, or the next food they’ll cook or eat. But how often do they think about their home’s indoor air quality? With most people spending 90% of their time indoors, air quality plays a much bigger role in the health puzzle than most of us may have thought.
So if you’re curious whether your home’s indoor air quality is bad, we’ve prepared a short list of factors you should look out for to assess whether your home is still healthy for your family or may need improvement.
Poor Air Quality Symptoms to Watch Out for
Poor indoor air quality may not be visible to the eyes, but this hazard can affect your health and comfort more than you think. While indoor air quality can’t be seen, there are surefire signs that can indicate its condition. We’ve compiled the five major indicators of poor indoor air quality you should look out for so you can start doing assessments in your home.
1. Unpleasant odor
Stagnant air often results in unpleasant odors, which come from several sources. Aside from dust and chemical contaminants, pollen or molds are sometimes the culprits. So if you think mold infestations are causing unpleasant odors in your home, contact damage restoration contractors to address the situation.
If you notice ordinary smells lingering longer than they should, this is a sign of poor air circulation. Check your ventilation and fix them immediately if you find any possible issues. Most smells won’t last more than a few minutes, as normal ventilation can whisk them off.
2. Allergic reactions and sneezing
Most people often misjudge sneezing and hyperactive allergies and only associate them with seasonal conditions. The symptoms usually include nose and throat irritations and watery eyes. If the hay season fever ended and you’re still showing signs of allergies, it may not be the weather causing them.
Check if you have unresolved water damage and leaks, and have water damage restoration professionals fix them immediately. Water damage can increase a home’s humidity levels, causing air pollutants like mold spores and dust mites to rise and trigger allergic reactions. Your home may even suffer structural issues the longer you delay fixing water damage.
3. Mold growth
Mold growth is one of the biggest warning signs of poor indoor air quality. Not only does it look filthy, but it can also affect your family’s health, triggering allergic reactions and lung conditions. Mold spreads and doesn’t go away on its own. So if you notice mold growing in many areas of your home, it’s best to hire mold removal services in New Braunfels to prevent health risks.
4. Difficulty sleeping
Polluted indoor air quality can make sleep difficult to achieve. High levels of indoor air pollution can hinder good sleep efficiency and even lead to impaired senses. If you’re experiencing sleepless nights despite trying any sleeping positions, it’s about time to pay attention to your home’s indoor air quality.
5. Unexplained skin rashes
Skin rashes and redness are often associated with indoor air pollutants. The symptoms are usually dry, cracked mucous membranes and irritated skin. If you can’t find the exact cause for this symptom, your air quality might be the invisible culprit.