The Silent Menace: Unraveling the List of Common Diseases Caused by Indoor Air Pollution
The harsh truth is many of us take the air we breathe for granted. And that’s not surprising because we don’t see it! We often overlook air quality and assume that indoor spaces are safe havens from environmental pollutants. However, shocking studies reveal that indoor air pollution can be up to five times higher than outdoor air pollution. Let’s explore the list of common diseases associated with indoor air pollution and learn the importance of IAQ solutions to address this pressing issue.
- Respiratory Diseases
One of the most common and pressing health issues stemming from dirty air is respiratory diseases. Naturally so, because breathing dirty air affects the nose to small airways in the lungs. Airborne indoor air pollutants such as particulate matter, mold, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harsh irritants to your respiratory system. Sadly, they lead to conditions like:
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- More frequent coughs and colds
Notably, individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable, but prolonged exposure can impact even healthy individuals.
- Cardiovascular Disorders
Spaces that don’t follow indoor air quality guidelines are dangerous. Poor air also poses severe risks to cardiovascular health or heart health. Unbeknownst to most, fine particulate matter and pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide can enter the bloodstream. And that’s alarming because it triggers inflammation and increases your risk of the following:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Allergies and Skin Disorders
People with sensitivities like allergies are in dire need of IAQ solutions. Indoor allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander can trigger allergic reactions, manifesting as:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Inflamed sinus
- Itchy eyes, skin, and/ or skin
- Hives or skin rashes.
Long-term exposure to these allergens because of your home’s poor IAQ standards can lead to chronic skin conditions and worsen existing skin disorders.
- Neurological Issues
If you don’t prioritize indoor air cleaning, you and your family can potentially face cognitive troubles. Recent research has revealed a concerning link between indoor air pollution to neurological problems such as cognitive decline, poor focus/ concentration, and impaired memory. To illustrate, VOCs emitted from cleaning products can adversely impact the central nervous system, particularly in vulnerable populations like seniors, infants, and kids.
Imagine your elderly parents spend most of their time indoors, so exposing them to poor-quality indoor air can accelerate their cognitive decline. Similarly, infants with developing nervous systems are susceptible. Think about the impact on your school-aged children’s cognitive development as well. Young minds are more susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution, with prolonged exposure hindering their learning abilities and memory retention.
The Critical Importance of Addressing IAQ
Indoor air pollution is an insidious threat, affecting millions of people worldwide and resulting in a myriad of health issues. Recognizing the gravity of this problem is the first step towards safeguarding our well-being. This demands urgent attention and we must implement effective indoor air quality strategies like using air purifiers, raising more indoor plants, and switching to natural cleaning products. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial to create healthier indoor environments that protect us from the harmful effects of pollutants lurking within our living spaces.
Unlike outdoor pollution, indoor air pollution persists for more extended periods, as we spend the majority of our time indoors with the HVAC, along with closed windows and doors. The chronic effects of this exposure can have severe consequences for our health. We must work hard to protect our family’s well-being by running indoor air quality sensors to ensure the air we breathe is top-notch. To combat this pressing problem of dirty indoor air, one of the most effective solutions is an indoor air quality monitor.
This device tracks and analyzes indoor air quality in real-time with an IAQ sensor, providing factual insights into the pollutants present in your environment. With an IAQ product like the uHoo Smart Air Monitor, you can take proactive measures to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, safeguarding your health and that of your loved ones. Let’s prioritize our health by adopting lifestyle changes, maintaining proper ventilation, and investing in innovative technologies like the uHoo. Together, we can build a healthier and cleaner indoor environment, ensuring a better future for generations to come.
