Indoor Air Pollution

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

The mention of air pollution often brings to mind images of city streets packed with cars or a pollen-laden spring breeze. However, indoor air pollution can be as much of a problem as outdoor pollution. A few sources of indoor air pollution include the following:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Mold, pollen and pet dander
  • Radon and carbon monoxide
  • Household products such as cleaners, paint thinners and glue

The effects of indoor air pollution can range from mild discomfort to the development of diseases such as respiratory ailments and cancer. Young children, the elderly and those with asthma or allergies may suffer the most from poor air quality. Combat indoor air pollution with these strategies:

  • Open windows for a few minutes every day to allow in fresh air, even during winter.
  • Vacuum and mop the floor rather than sweep.
  • Don’t allow smoking indoors.
  • Test for radon and install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Replace your plug-in air freshener and artificially scented cleaners with fragrance-free and naturally scented products.

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Combating Allergy Season

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Presented by TP Mechanical Contractors | Provided by HORAN

While most people can’t wait to welcome the end of winter, for millions of others spring’s warmth and rebirth brings debilitating allergies. The most common spring allergy is pollen—tiny grains released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds for the purpose of fertilizing other plants. In allergy sufferers, the immune system mistakes pollen for harmful foreign germs, and triggers hypersensitive reactions that may include red eyes, runny nose, itchiness, eczema, hives or an asthma attack.

bigstock-Young-man-in-yellow-canola-fie-19498793Fortunately, when potential hazards are recognized, allergies and asthma can often be prevented or their effects minimized. To reduce your exposure to pollen and other allergy triggers, check local weather reports to find out current pollen forecasts. If pollen counts are high, take allergy medication preemptively instead of waiting for symptoms to start. Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to be outside is after a rainstorm, when the air is mostly pollen-free.

Refrain from gardening or doing yard work. Change your clothes after being outside for a long period of time. Consider taking a shower or rinsing your hair if your allergies are starting to act up. Be sure to use an air filter in your home as well. Don’t let the onset of spring cause you to suffer.