The air that surrounds you seems like it’s clean as a whistle. None of your senses are saying there’s dust in the air, so that means it’s fine to breathe, right? Not really. Just because you can’t sense it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Dust and other irritants go down to microscopic in size which means you’re breathing in contaminants without realizing. True, it’s not a pleasant thought, but it’s something our bodies are designed to deal with for the most part. Still, it’s possible to reduce their effect on your life. Here are some of the common air contaminants and how you can deal with them.
Household Dust
Image via Flickr by Holly Leighanne
Household dust is a problem every home suffers from no matter how clean it’s kept. Dust is made from any number of things, including dead skin cells, clothing, decaying carpet fibers, dirt from outside, pollution, and just about anything that gets pulverized into microscopic particles. Microscopic insects known as dust mites also get into the air. None of these are pleasant thoughts, but they can be treated using HEPA air filters throughout the home and changing the filters on a regular basis. An air quality test can also help determine what’s contaminating the air. From there, it’s a matter of taking appropriate action to use equipment and materials that are known to reduce those types of contaminants.
Ozone Pollution
Ozone is more than just an atmospheric layer that surrounds the earth; it’s also a chemical that’s emitted by cars, factories, and a number of industrial processes. Electronics are also capable of emitting ozone when they get too hot. It’s also the number one ingredient in smog, although it’s not the only one.
Dealing with ozone is difficult, as it’s something that’s everywhere. Government regulations go a long way toward reducing the emission of ozone, but it’s not perfect, as enforcement isn’t always equal. Those who are sensitive to ozone have to be proactive in making sure they take proper precautions to protect themselves from exposure.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is everywhere. It’s something every car exhausts as part of the operation of the engine. It’s not much of a problem in the outdoors, as carbon monoxide is absorbed by trees and isn’t as serious a problem to the atmosphere (unlike other gasses). It’s dangerous when breathed in directly and is harmful to those with less-than-perfect lungs or allergies. Dealing with the effects of carbon monoxide varies from person to person. Some are fine with an asthma inhaler to let their lungs relax, while others need to wear a face mask to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide they inhale from passing vehicles. A carbon monoxide detector is a must for all homeowners.
These are some of the more common pollutants that you breathe in on a daily basis. They all offer varying levels of harm, but most can be combatted in one way or another. The best course of action is to stay vigilant and keep the air clean in environments that you can control directly.