We spend the majority of our time indoors, whether at work, school or at home. Because we spend so much of our time indoors, the quality of our indoor air is critical to our health! Indoor air quality, on the other hand, can be two to five (or more!) times more contaminated than outdoor air.

Poor indoor air quality is a severe issue, and you need a properly functioning HVAC system to breathe safe air. In today’s blog post, we’ll go over some Important Air Quality Facts & Stats concerning indoor air quality as well as how it affects your health. Continue reading to discover more, and call Bluco Mechanical at (929) 447-2077 if you want mechanical HVAC services in NYC.

Quick Facts About Indoor Air Quality

• The EPA has identified indoor air pollution as one of the top environmental threats facing Americans.
• Poor indoor air quality increases the number of children with severe allergies and asthma.
• Air fresheners contribute to indoor air pollution, and even those who are not allergic to fragrances might have negative reactions to scented air freshener products.
• Foam mattresses, loveseats, and couches, for example, may contribute to indoor air pollution. They have been treated with potentially harmful fire retardants.
• Indoor air contaminants have an impact on more than just your respiratory system; they can also harm your skin, hair, and nails, and may increase your risk of heart disease or dementia.
• Poor indoor air quality at school has an impact on student learning, and higher air quality can result in a 60% improvement on cognitive assessments.

Indoor Air Quality and Human Health

A building’s interior air quality not only influences a person’s comfort within the space, but it can also have substantial short- and long-term health implications.

Short-Term Consequences

Poor indoor air quality can have a negative impact on your health even after a single exposure. Symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Individual sensitivity determines these immediate consequences, and if you are frequently exposed to pollutants, you may become more sensitive to them.

The building’s HVAC system can exacerbate short-term effects. Inadequate outdoor air supply, high humidity, or poor air circulation, for example, can all exacerbate short-term consequences.

Long-Term Consequences

Poor indoor air quality can have long-term impacts that manifest years after exposure or after repeated periods of exposure. Long-term consequences can include lung problems, heart disease, and cancer.

People react differently to air pollution, and if you have asthma or another respiratory ailment, air quality can affect you more severely.

The Leading Causes of Indoor Air Quality Issues

Not bringing in enough fresh air from outdoors or poorly filtering toxins causes indoor air pollution. Here are a few examples of prevalent indoor air pollution sources:

• Appliances that use fuel
• Tobacco and other smoking-related products
• Insulation made of asbestos, new flooring, or other structural materials
• Cleaning supplies for the home
• Mold, mildew, and excessive moisture

Some air pollution sources can be avoided or reduced, while others are structural. If your gas stove emits CO, modify or replace it. You can ask that smokers leave, cleaning supplies be changed, and water damage be rectified.

Air contaminants can linger for extended durations after removal. A properly working HVAC mechanical system filters and cleans your interior air while also maintaining correct humidity levels to avoid mold and mildew growth. Inadequate ventilation exacerbates the detrimental effects of air pollution, and too little outdoor air can build up to lethal levels.

NYC HVAC Services

A good HVAC system is the first step toward better indoor air quality. Bluco Mechanical is the place to go if you need HVAC services, such as HVAC maintenance or repair.

We have offices in New York City and service both residential and business clients in the surrounding area. We offer 24/7 emergency services, new units to fit any budget, and HVAC installation and maintenance. Learn about How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Vents and get in touch with us at (929) 447-2077 immediately for a quote or to schedule service.