Home Is Where… the Pollution Is?
For many of us, home is a comfort. It’s where we recharge our batteries after long workdays, where we watch Netflix into the bewitching hour and eat cartons of ice cream without judgment. It’s also a place where we generally feel secure, breathing easily with our doors locked at night. In a world where public safety is compromised by everyday violence, we generally feel safe in our homes.
Unfortunately, the safety we think our homes afford us may not be so protective of our health. According to The New York Times, the air in your home may be more hazardous to your health than the outdoor air in the most polluted cities. The air quality of your home is likely to be compromised by cancer-causing pollutants. The New York Times cites a variety of indoor toxic pollutants commonly found in homes. The list includes nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, radon, formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and asbestos. Everyday products like hairsprays, deodorants, oven cleaners, paints, pesticides, laundry aids, floor/furniture polishes, glue, and even some air fresheners can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Why should you care about indoor air quality? Does it really affect you? Indeed it does.
As The New York Times article details, a Harvard study showed that children who are exposed to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves in their homes suffered a significant reduction in their lung function. A British study further demonstrated that children in homes with gas ovens also had more colds and bronchitis. In addition, indoor air pollution is known to cause headaches, irritated eyes, chronic exhaustion, dizziness, and memory lapses.
No one should feel ill just from breathing the air in his or her own home. Quality of life is dependent on good health. Upgrading your home air filters is a simple solution that you almost literally can’t live without. To breathe easier and find air filters that are compatible with the most popular filtration units, check out our online store. And if you have any questions, feel free to call and speak with one of our experts at 978-521-1977!