February is National Heart Month, a great time for you to take control of your heart’s health. The first step? Improving your home’s indoor air quality. While we know contaminated air can damage your lungs, an increasing amount of evidence indicates that it can also negatively affect your cardiovascular system. The average person breathes 20,000 times a day, so make sure you are breathing in the best air possible.
What is Indoor Air Pollution?
Pollution isn’t just caused by car exhaust and factory smoke. In fact, many household materials can contribute to your home’s poor air quality. Below are the most common pollutants:
- Mold and pollen
- Tobacco and cigarette smoke
- Cleaning products and pesticides
- Radon and carbon monoxide
- Building materials, like asbestos, formaldehyde and lead
Effects on the Heart
Short-term exposure can increase your risk of a sudden heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. While long-term exposure to indoor pollutants can cause carotid arteries, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
How Can You Improve Your Indoor Air Pollution?
- Control ventilation – One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate emissions through proper ventilation. The big problem areas in your home? Bathrooms, basements, and attics.
- Change filters regularly – Central HVAC systems have filters to trap dust and other pollutants in the air. Make sure to change or clean the filters regularly.
- Adjust humidity – High humidity keeps your air moist and increases the likelihood of mold and other air pollutants. Adjust the humidity in your home to control the quality of air you breathe.
If you live in Fairfax County, Virginia, trust the experts at Air Treatment Heating & Cooling to help you clean the air in your home. We offer a wide range of products designed to improve air quality, including filtration systems, whole-home dehumidifiers, and more. Contact us online to get started, or call (703) 270-0881.