When you think of “home”, what words come to mind? Family, memories, sanctuary, and safety are probably on your list. How about polluted and hazardous? Doesn’t exactly give you the warm and fuzzies, does it? And yet, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor pollution levels are two to five times higher indoors than out. And as many as 6 out of 10 buildings are found to be hazardous to human health.

So, what’s a homeowner to do? For starters, educate yourself on the dangers that could be lurking indoors and take preventive steps to reduce your family’s exposure. Read on to learn how.

Asbestos, once a common building material, is deemed a serious health hazard if it becomes airborne. It is still found in the siding, flooring, and around ductwork of older homes. If you suspect your home contains asbestos, do not disturb it; have it professionally tested and either removed or encapsulated.

Lead is a toxic metal that was commonly used in the paint and plumbing of older homes. It is especially dangerous for young children and pregnant women as it can lead to problems with the nervous system, developmental delays, and learning disabilities if ingested.

Mold lurks in damp places like the areas under sinks, in basements, and even inside walls and insulation. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and skin problems. Keep mold away by eliminating damp or wet conditions; keep relative indoor humidity levels between 30-50% and repair leaky fixtures, faucets, and plumbing pipes promptly.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can move up from the ground into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Have your home tested for radon and if the levels are too high, install a radon mitigation system.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are found in paint, solvents, paint thinners and other home improvement products. VOCs can off-gas, causing eye, nose, and throat irritation, and result in headaches and dizziness. Whenever possible, choose products labeled as containing low-VOCs and keep areas well-ventilated while using them.

Formaldehyde is commonly found in engineered wood, drywall, and other construction materials. It is linked to eye, nose, throat, and respiratory issues. Luckily, many manufacturers are now making material without formaldehyde.

Flame retardants are used in upholstery, carpeting, foam insulation, plastics, and more. These chemicals have been linked to reproductive disorders and even cancer. While flame retardants were once mandated by law, there are now less-toxic options to choose from.

Household cleaning products are great at washing away dirt, germs, and bacteria. But the chemicals often used in them can do more harm than good, like irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs. If you must use commercial cleaners, choose those with more natural ingredients or make your own with non-toxic lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar.

So where does the indoor air pollution come from? They become airborne when disturbed by heating and AC fans, dusting, vacuuming, and in numerous other ways. To kill them before they can harm you, now’s the time to consider a whole-house air filtration system. C&D Cooling & Heating has several available options – we’d be happy to discuss your options with you and prepare a free and no-obligation quote.