When thinking of poor air quality, many of us don’t think about the indoor air we breathe throughout the day. In fact, most of the exposure we have to pollutants in the air is from indoor air we breathe. Indoor air is anywhere from two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air pollutants can come from outside air infiltration that isn’t properly ventilated, materials used in the manufacturing of home furnishings, cleaning products and more.
When considering the significant amount of time we spend indoors, indoor air quality becomes even more important. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) estimates that the average person receives 72 percent of their chemical exposure at home.
There are many ways to improve your indoor air quality. Here are some tips:
- Reduce indoor chemicals – Choose low-emitting products that have been third party certified such as GREENGUARD. Many insulation products are GREENGUARD certified. Contact us to learn more about these products.
- Properly ventilate – An effective mechanical air system with good filtration can help remove polluted indoor air from the house.
- Seal air leaks – Sealing air leaks helps create a controlled indoor environment. This allows a qualified energy auditor to develop a ventilation plan to effectively maintain clean indoor air. Spray foam insulation effectively seals air leaks and insulates in on step.
Have questions about your home’s indoor air quality? Contact our office, our team is happy to help.
