That Air Your Breathing In Your Home – Whats It Made Up Of?

It’s sad, but true. The air we breathe is dirty and getting dirtier. Even the air in our homes can be hazardous to our health. It has been estimated that the air inside of the average home is at leas five times more polluted than the air outside – even in the most metropolitan area! – No wonder we are getting sick.
As our homes become more and more energy efficient, we have not only succeeded in making our homes air tight t save energy costs, but have also succeeded in blocking any natural ventilation to allow chemicals, pet dander, dust and other household allergens and pollutants to escape. Its rare these days for anyone to simply throw open the windows and “air out the house” on a regular basis. Little did we realize how beneficial that simple season changing activity was in the past.
Today’s family suffers much more bouts of cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia and other upper respiratory problems, not to mention an increased rate in asthma and allergies. Why? The simple answer may be that the air we breathe both inside and outside of our homes is s full of allergens and pollutants that our bodies simply can not free itself of these angers and is paying the ultimate price: the ability to breathe easy.
Some of the most dangerous pollutant culprits which are causing a variety of these respiratory afflictions among our families include:
DUST, POLLEN, AND OTHER ALLERGENS
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to foreign substances. When the body overreacts to common substances such as dust, fibers, animal dander, pollen, and molds, it puts undue stress on the body’s immune system, making you more susceptible to dangerous attacks by harmful viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungi, etc. Many people suffer from allergy symptoms that unknowingly drain their energy and take a toll on their immune system.
CHEMICAL FUMES AND VAPORS
Indoor pollution can sometimes exceed “maximum safety levels” that were established for toxic-waste sites. Many of the new synthetic fibers and fabrics, plastics, insulation materials, glues and other adhesives, solvents, paints, stains, cleaning substances, deodorizers, and various aerosols have been linked to the growing “sick building ” phenomenon. Used inside the home or office these items are constantly saturating the air you breath with harmful chemical fumes and vapors.
MOLD AND FUNGUS
Mold and fungus can be more than an unsightly nuisance for some have been shown to be pathogenic microorganisms that create or contribute to allergies and can cause many ills, ranging from athlete’s foot to the fatal Legionnaires’ disease. Most molds thrive on moisture and are often visible around bathroom fixtures, but dangerous molds can grow in unseen places such as air conditioners, humidifiers and heat exchangers and find its way into the air you breathe on a daily basis.
TOXIC GASES
Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen can be produced by such things as gas stoves, heaters, kerosene heaters, attached garages, fireplaces and electrical appliances. These gases can be fatal in large amounts but in small doses they can inhibit healthy respiration and drain your energy.
BACTERIA
Bacterial infections are common due to the fact that bacteria is so abundant in our environment. The overuse and abuse of antibiotics in our society combined with weakened immune systems has lead to dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We will likely see more strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the future.
VIRUSES
Viral infections are on the rise for similar reasons as mentioned above. Stronger, more resistant viral mutations are occurring every day and weakened immune systems are providing the means for proliferation of many seemingly new viruses that actually have been around for a long time. The Epstein-Barr virus is also known as the mono virus and lies dormant in the body similar to the AIDS virus activating when the immune system is weak. EBV has been linked to the increasing number of cases of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and may be evidence of the immunological deficit that our society is in from over exposure to toxins.
SMOKE
350,000 Americans die each year from smoke-related illnesses such as cancers, emphysema, and heart disease. Cigarette smoke ages the lungs and respiratory system and contains more than 3,000 toxic chemicals and gases. Passive smoking has been linked to increased cancer, heart disease and lung disease. Involuntary smokers have been shown to have decreased respiratory function and increased respiratory illnesses.
ODORS
Besides being annoying, odors have been shown to have a direct affect on emotions. The olfactory nerves are closely tied in with the endocrine system which controls our emotional states. The same way the smell of a particular perfume may bring back the memory of a special night, offensive odors (even ones which you might have become accustomed to) can dramatically influence the way you feel and act. Spray deodorants only cover up odors and add to indoor pollution.
OUTDOOR POLLUTION
If that weren’t enough, most of the outdoor air pollution unfortunately finds it way indoors. 98% of our air pollution is made up of five major pollutants, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
This is all the stuff your breathing into your lungs all day and every night in your bed while you sleep!
So, now that you understand the importance of clean air, what’s the best way to combat the effects of modern-day pollutants?
1. Ventilate and have repeated air changes in your home – not just recycle it.
2. Filter the air coming into your home – to a very particular size.
3. Dry out the air and surfaces in your home to rid it of damp and mouldy problems.