Air Quality and Negative Health Effects
The air we breathe is essential to our survival. Yet, with every breath we take, we are filling our bodies with potentially harmful toxins and contaminates! Air pollution is one of the top concerns of our nation and the leading cause of many diseases, some of which can be fatal. Without the proper prevention and precautions, our survival will continue to be threatened by toxic, polluted air – both outdoors and inside the home. At Aerus, we've thoroughly researched the sources and dangers of indoor air pollution and developed a series of best practices to improve your indoor air quality at home.
A Negative Effect
Indoor air pollutants can have both short- and long-term negative effects on your family's health. Exposure to harsh chemicals, carcinogens and allergens can cause immediate problems such as headaches and irritation, while prolonged exposure can result in more serious conditions such as respiratory disease or cancer. In extreme cases, indoor air pollution can even be fatal. Below is a list of the most common health problems that can result from exposure to contaminated air.
Immediate or short-term effects of exposure to indoor air pollution can include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Viral diseases
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Colds
- Irritation of eyes, nose and throat
- Allergy and Asthma symptoms
Long-term health effects, which can result from prolonged or continuous exposure to pollution over a long period of time, include:
- Respiratory disease
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Death
- Kidney damage
- Developmental problems
The mix of contaminants in your home can have many different effects on your family's health. Below is a list of common indoor air contaminants and health effects than can result from both short-term and long-term exposure.
| Contaminant | Potential Sources | Short-Term Effects | Long-Term Effects |
| Asbestos | Building materials (attic insulation, etc.) | Lung disease, cancer in the abdominal and chest areas | |
| Carbon Monoxide | Gas appliances (fireplaces, stoves, etc.) | Respiratory infections, headaches & dizziness | Death can result from a very high concentration |
| Dust Mites/Pollen/ Pet Dander |
Dirty bed linens, pets, dirty carpet | Allergies, asthma, dizziness, coughing. Fatigue and shortness of breath |
|
| Formaldehyde | Pressed wood products, carpet | Fatigue, wheezing & rash | Cancer |
| Lead | Paint & household repair products | Impaired development in children, hypertension | |
| Mold | Air/heating units, water damaged bathroom & kitchens | Allergies, asthma and respiratory problems | |
| Pesticides | Pest control products | Eye, nose & throat irritation | Kidney damage, cancer |
| Organic chemical compounds | Household cleaning products, paints, etc | Nausea, headaches, dizziness & fatigue | Kidney damage |
With a multitude of negative health effects resulting from exposure to pollution, it is crucial to make sure that your indoor air is protected from harmful contaminants. Utilizing a system that combines High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration and carbon filtration can help reduce 99.97% of particles that can cause both short-term and long-term health problems.
