In a little over two weeks, Valentine’s Day will be here. The annual celebration of romantic unions is one that reminds us all of the importance of love. However, it’s important to remember that loving your partner is only one form of care and affection you should exhibit. Never underestimate the importance of loving yourself. And loving yourself entails loving your lungs.
After all, we all need to breathe to survive, don’t we? The health of our lungs is vital to our overall health. That’s why it’s continually reiterated to cigarette smokers that they’re engaging in a habit that must be quit in order to prolong their lives. Another activity we all need to practice is keeping our homes clean. This is because the status of our indoor air quality plays a major role in how well we’re treating our lungs.
What causes poor indoor air quality?
With help from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, John Ward of BustMold.com points out that one of the most common pollutants of our air is cigarette smoke. However, that’s not the only occupant-based cause of indoor air quality. Perfume, body odours and carbon monoxide also make the list.
In addition, materials in our homes such as dust, gases, asbestos and fibreglass worsen the air we breathe. Off-gas emissions from carpets, furniture and paints also impact indoor air quality. Damp areas of the home foster the growth of mould, bacteria and fungi while many of our cleaning methods also contribute to the worsening of our air. Cleansers that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are bad news.
What symptoms can result from poor indoor air quality?
If you are noticing a worsening of your allergy symptoms, suffering from constant colds or bogged down with flu symptoms, it is possible the air in your home is polluted. As Luke Armstrong informs us on RestorationFinder.com, exposure to polluted indoor air may result in irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin; headaches; coughing; sneezing; fatigue; rashes; dizziness; shortness of breath; hypersensitivity and nasal congestion. He points out that insufficient ventilation is a contributing factor to poor indoor air quality.
“Without a doubt, the insufficient inflow of fresh air in your home or commercial building can dramatically affect indoor air quality,” writes Armstrong, “The concentration of dust mites and various other allergens in the air becomes very high, resulting in infections, allergic symptoms, and asthma attacks. Air circulation is very important for removing indoor air contaminants and preventing the buildup of pollutants.”
We spend a lot of time inside – especially during the winter.
“Canadians spend upwards of 90% of their time indoors,” Ward reminds us, “Breathing in contaminated air can lead to a wide range of short-term and long-term health effects, including allergies, asthma and an increased risk of stroke and heart conditions.”
At DF Technical & Consulting Services Ltd., we would love to help you show your lungs how much you love them! Improving the indoor air quality of your home begins with a comprehensive inspection. Please don’t hesitate to contact us in order to learn more about our Air Quality Services. Call us at 1-855-668-3131 or email info@dftechnical.ca today!
