What Are the Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants

If you're like most homeowners in Radford, VA, you spend a majority of your time indoors, and almost all of that time will be spent at home. If you've been working from home, or you have a student in your household, you've probably spent a lot of time indoors over the past year. Breathing polluted air can have serious short- and long-term effects on your health. These are three of the most common indoor air pollutants in a typical Radford home.

1. Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants include anything alive or parts of or shed by living things. Some examples include pollen, pet dander, dust, dust mites, mold spores, bacteria and viruses. Whenever somebody in your household coughs or sneezes, they release droplets that can be filled with bacteria or viruses. Many biological pollutants are also common indoor allergens.

2. Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors at room temperature, and they're released by liquids or solids. For example, pressed wood products release formaldehyde, which is a volatile organic compound. Dry-cleaned clothing off-gases benzene, which is another VOC. Exposure to VOCs may cause short-term irritation to your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Long-term exposure increases your risk of chronic breathing problems and cancer.

3. Radon

Radon is an element, and it's a byproduct of the breakdown of uranium that naturally occurs in soil. It's a gas, and it seeps into your home through cracks, gaps, vents and crawlspaces. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. You can't see, smell or taste radon.

New River Heating & Air is the trusted provider of indoor air quality solutions in Radford. We're also ready to provide you with reliable heating and air conditioning maintenance, replacement and repair services. Our technicians also offer tankless water heaters, duct cleaning and generators. If you're a business owner in or near Radford, turn to us for dependable commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning services. To learn more about the most common indoor air pollutants, get in touch with us at New River Heating & Air today.