With the number of people suffering from asthma and other breathing problems increasing weekly it is important that you know just how many indoor pollutants there are in your home. Years ago people believed that just by keeping your home clean you were getting rid of anything harmful that could cause you to be ill, this is not the case today. There are many different things that can all contribute to illness and breathing problems and they are polluting the air you breath inside the cleanest homes constantly.



If you suffer from breathing difficulties or someone in your family does you might be shocked to learn just how many pollutants could be lurking in your home such as:

-Dust mites: These tiny microscopic creatures live in bed mattresses, fabric and carpets all around your home and they feed on human and pet skin, discarded food particles and any other organic products in your home. Dust mites then produce faeces which are inhaled and can be a major irritant for people who suffer from asthma and other breathing problems.

-Pet dander: This is basically pet dandruff which is produced much in the same way that human dandruff is produced. However as animals groom themselves they will get saliva onto their fur and skin and this contains protein which can produce allergic reactions in some people.

-Cockroach droppings: These can induce allergic reactions in certain people and as they mix with other irritants they can become even more potent.

-Mold: Mold thrives in damp, warm conditions and will grow at an alarming rate if left alone. Mold produces spores which are tiny and can float in the air which means they can easily be breathed in. Certain types of mold are actually poisonous so if you have a mold problem in your home you should get it treated as soon as possible to avoid any major problems.

-Tobacco smoke: Everyone knows how dangerous tobacco is and it makes sense not to allow people to smoke in your home as passive smoking can be deadly. If you smoke yourself make an effort to do it outside so that you do not pollute the air in your home for yourself and others.

-Radon: This is a naturally occurring gas which can be sucked into house through the basement and can lead to lung cancer. Get your home checked to see if there is any radon present.

-Carbon monoxide: This is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that is produced in appliances that use combustion such as air conditioners and heating. CO poisoning can kill so you should fit CO detectors in your home to alert you to any potential leaks.

-Pollen: This can get into your house and aggravate certain conditions such as hay fever and asthma. When the pollen levels are high in your area make sure that you keep doors and windows closed and if possible have your air conditioning on to eliminate the risk of pollen.

One of the best ways to combat pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander and cockroach droppings make sure that you clean all surfaces including upholstery regularly and change bed sheets each week. Use HEPA filters in your air conditioning system - this will eliminate 99.995% of all airborne particles from the air - keeping you healthy. Invest in a HEPA vacuum which will trap all particles caught in carpets and upholstery, you can then safely dispose of them in the trash.

Contact your local HVAC technician for advice on making your air conditioner pollutant proof and help you with any aspect of improving your air quality. HVAC technicians work with residential and commercial properties and will work with you to bring you a clean air solution that meets your needs.