According to the World Health Organization, each year a staggering 3.8 million people prematurely die from secondary complications of toxic indoor air.
In the case of one common health condition, half of all deaths are of children younger than age five.
These are truly shocking statistics in an age where air quality technology is more advanced than at any other time in human history. While it is true we live on a polluted planet, these statistics relate directly to indoor air quality, not outside air.
In this post, learn about the top five health conditions associated with poor indoor air quality. Also learn about our best picks for cleaning up your indoor air fast.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is by far the largest single killer of children and adults alike that is related to poor indoor air quality.
Twenty-eight percent of all adult deaths annually are from acute lower respiratory infection that leads to pneumonia. In children under the age of five who contract pneumonia, 45 percent of deaths can be directly traced back to poor indoor air quality.
Pneumonia can have a variety of underlying causes and triggers. Viral matter, fungi, bacteria and other microbes are all linked to cases of pneumonia.
The most common patient-reported symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, coughing, fatigue, breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, fever, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, low body temperature, mental confusion and shaking.
COPD
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is an umbrella category for various lung conditions. Chronic bronchitis, non-reversible (refractory) asthma and emphysema are three of the best-known diseases in this category.
COPD is both incurable and progressive. Once the tiny sacs in the lungs get damaged, there is nothing that can be done but to manage the symptoms. One-quarter of fatal COPD cases are linked to indoor air toxicity.
COPD is often caused by exposure to smoke and other airborne lung irritants such as dust, fumes from chemicals and air pollution.
The most common patient-reported symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing, breathlessness, wheezing and tightness of the chest.
Stroke
Stroke is one of the most feared health issues in the world today. Ischemic stroke, the most common kind and the kind associated with air pollution, occurs when a part of your brain is suddenly deprived of blood flow. The lack of oxygen triggers a rapid chain reaction of brain cell death.
Eighteen percent of stroke fatalities can be traced back to exposure to air pollution in the home. While the leading toxins arise from solid cooking fuels and kerosene use, many other indoor air pollutants also contribute to an increased risk of stroke.
Symptoms of ischemic stroke can be hard to spot and can be very sudden in onset.
The most commonly reported patient symptoms include numbness, weakness or feelings of paralysis on one side of the body, sudden loss of vision in either or both eyes, sudden dizziness or balance issues, sudden severe headache pain, sudden confusion or difficulty with speaking or comprehension.
Heart disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of serious health issues that affect the heart. Ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease, is the type most commonly associated with indoor air pollution.
With ischemic heart disease, blood flow to the heart is suddenly restricted or cut off. One of the most common causes is narrowed or hardened arteries. Scientific journals emphasize that the link between cardiovascular disease and air pollution is one of the most concerning worldwide.
Eleven percent of premature fatalities from ischemic heart disease are linked to indoor air pollution.
Common patient-reported symptoms include angina (chest tightness or pressure), lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, indigestion, neck pain, sleep disruption, cold sweats, weakness, fatigue and anxiety.
Lung cancer
At least eight percent of premature lung cancer fatalities annually are now linked to exposure to indoor air pollution.
Carcinogens and volatile organic chemicals released in the process of fossil fuels are thought to be primarily responsible. Researchers believe exposure to airborne chemicals and particulates can actually change cellular DNA and increase the risk for cell mutation that leads to cancer onset.
Symptoms of lung cancer include chronic cough, cough with blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, headache and systemic or bone pain.
4 Steps to Remedy Indoor Air Pollution to Protect Your Family
We realize the information you just read is anxiety-provoking, especially if you have babies, young children or elderly loved ones in your household.
However, modern air quality control technology is excellent and can quickly remedy your indoor air quality challenges.
Take these four steps in order to quickly and permanently clean up your indoor air.
1. Schedule your professional indoor air duct cleaning service
An indoor air duct cleaning safely and securely removes all trapped matter inside your air duct system. Following negative-pressure vacuuming, the air duct cleaning sanitizes your entire duct system.
2. Add a heat recovery ventilator
A heat recovery ventilator is like giving your home a new set of mechanical lungs. HRVs isolate incoming fresh air from outgoing toxic air while recovering and recycling heat energy and balancing indoor air humidity levels seasonally.
3. Install a central HEPA filtration system
HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters have been the worldwide gold standard in air filtration since World War II. They are used all over the world in hospitals and laboratories as well as homes and workplaces.
4. Install an ultraviolet air purification system
Ultraviolet air purification uses the most powerful UV light band, UV-C, to neutralize airborne toxic matter so it can do no harm.
Get in Touch
Are you ready to take back control of your indoor air quality? We can help!
Right now and through January 31, 2020, order any of our three popular indoor air duct cleaning packages and you get an extra 10 percent off!
Contact us online or give us a call at 905-544-2470.
