Another note. Yes, another note about the diseases going around your kids’ school. Whooping Cough. Strep. Stomach bug. RSV. Just seeing the words is enough to send mamas and daddies into a panic. The CDC reported that RSV leads to an average of 57,527 hospitalizations among kids five and under each year in the USA. So what do you do to help ensure your family is safe?
Understand Indoor Air Pollution
The CDC warns that poor indoor air quality can lead to lung diseases such as asthma and also cause headaches, nasal mucus, and tiredness. Likewise, the American College of Allergists report that 50% of all illnesses are either caused or exacerbated by polluted indoor air. The Texas DSHS noted that air within homes and buildings can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and in drastic cases, 1000 times more polluted. There are two primary causes of poor indoor air quality:
- Pollutants (cleaning products, improperly maintained or unclean heating and cooling or humidification devises, cigarette smoke, etc)
So all this information – what does it mean? What do you do? How can you make sure you and your kiddos aren’t breathing sullied, disease-inducing air?
Luckily, there are options.
Get Proactive On Air Filtration
Have you ever been irate and had to bite your tongue to keep from saying something regrettable ? That’s a filter. Have you ever used water from the door of a refrigerator and had your thirst immediately quenched? That’s the filter. Filters keep toxicity in check and avoid miserable outcomes. You filter your words for peace, you filter your water for health, why wouldn’t you filter your air?
Numerous hospitals use a high-efficiency air filtration system called HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), which you can purchase for your home if you have a loved one with a low immune system or someone who’s highly susceptible to disease. Even if there are no respiratory issues in your family, you’ll be extremely surprised by the almost instant change from a standard air filter to a High Efficiency unit.
If you’re not sure if a high-grade air filtration system is the best system for you, there are many other options to help clean your family’s air. From basic air cleaners to electronic air cleaners, see below to help determine which air filtration and purification system is right for your family.
Help Control Germs With Germicidal Systems
Germi-huh? Germicidal UV Light Systems help remove airborne biological contaminants – germs – by safely producing high intensity UV light from within your home’s air flow system. These bacteria-destroying contraptions can kill germs and even assist in stopping further germs from accruing in your home. According to one study, nearly one of five people with allergies suffer from exposure to fungi and bacteria in their duct systems. A UV light device will help cleanse and decontaminate indoor air to help you reach the highest air quality possible.
Optimize Moisture with Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers
Um, don’t those two systems do precisely the opposite of each other? Why would I want one rather than the other? For home comfort, humidity levels should be between 35% and 50%. Too much humidity can cause microbes, condensation and even wood damage. Not enough humidity can result in dry skin, sinus ailments, fractured wood and sore throats. Depending on where you live, you most likely have too much or too little humidity.
Humidifiers add the ideal amount of moisture to your home’s air, helping with illness, dry skin, and warped wood furniture and instruments. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from your home, helping to stop bacteria growth, and improving indoor comfort a great deal.
Don’t Dismiss Duct Cleaning
It’s almost spring and that means spring cleaning! Don’t neglect your ducts during this refreshing time. Since the majority of our in-home air comes through our duct system, it’s crucial to keep it from getting dirty with bacteria, microbes, and dust. When you have your ducts cleaned, ask the company to check for duct leaks, as well. Leaks in the duct system can cause more contaminants to enter your air and flow throughout your home. Making sure they are clean and maintained will help keep your air clean and your loved ones safe.
Increase Ventilation
With the shift to become more energy-efficient, homes are often sealed tighter and insulated better to make sure air isn’t escaping while our hvac systems work to keep our home pleasant. Energy-efficiency is a good thing, but it also means a lower amount of airflow, less circulation, and reduced movement. This can cause the air to become motionless and contaminants (indoor air pollution) are lingering inside your home’s air – the air your family breathes. An air ventilation system observes indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity and continuously brings the required air replacement. This can add 5% to 10% more fresh air every hour, reducing the concentration of airborne contaminants.
Get A Home Health Report
During your next air conditioning tune-up, request a complete indoor air quality report from your A/C contractor. An expert A/C system company like Service Experts will provide a copy of your report with professional recommendations to address these and other air concerns in your home.
So, yes, it’s troubling to know that your little ones are being exposed to scary respiratory diseases but next time you get that message from your kids’ school, wash their hands, cover their cough, and invest in a system to help your indoor air quality be the best it can be.