What Does the Oxygen Level in Your Home Have to Do with Your Health?

More and more people are realizing that the quality of indoor air is directly linked to health and energy levels. Today, we understand how important it is to have air free from toxins and substances that can irritate and cause illnesses. If you think you're safe from pollution just because you're indoors, think again. The fact is, indoor air can be much worse than outdoor air.

Indoor Air Can Cause Health Problems

If you constantly feel stuffy or experience itching in various parts of your body, it could be due to pollutants in your home. A simple allergy test can reveal whether you are allergic to mold, indicating it might be time to identify mold sources. Is it at home or at work?

The American EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has issued warnings that indoor air can contain many different types of toxins, which can lead to allergies or illnesses.

Using an oxygen saturation test and receiving a poor result can definitely be linked to pollutants in the air you breathe at home. Toxins can block the enzymes necessary for oxygen to be absorbed and used by the body.

A significant difference between modern smart homes and older houses with drafts from leaky windows and doors is that we don't get as much outdoor air. If there are sources of air pollution, they will affect us much more than they would have in older, less insulated homes.

Let's Take a Look at Some Health Issues Associated with Poor Indoor Air:

Allergies and Asthma – In homes with high levels of pollen, mold, cockroaches, and dust mites, both children and adults can develop allergies as well as asthma.

• Extreme Fatigue – This can be caused by too much carbon monoxide (CO) in the home air. Carbon monoxide is released from wood-burning stoves, heaters, and certain appliances. The gas has no color or smell, but when it enters our body, it blocks the movement of oxygen.
• Persistent Runny Nose and Shortness of Breath – Emissions of nitrogen oxide from natural gas and kerosene in the home can irritate the nasal passages, as well as the eyes and throat. High concentrations of this odorless gas can lead to difficulty breathing.
• Lung Cancer – After smoking, radon in the home is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking in combination with radon exposure significantly increases the risk of dying from lung cancer.
• Coughing and Rashes – This can be due to high levels of formaldehyde found in adhesives in furniture, carpets, plywood, and curtains. Inhaling formaldehyde can cause coughing and rashes. Headaches and irritation in the eyes and nose can also be due to formaldehyde exposure.

The list of harmful chemicals commonly found in homes, such as those in cleaning products, can be extensive. Exposure to high levels can cause health issues like nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Some pesticides can even cause cancer.

Is It the Indoor Air or Something Else?

Considering that polluted indoor air can cause various symptoms and health problems, it can be easy to confuse and not know what is causing the issues. However, a persistent runny nose that doesn't go away is likely due to an allergy or sensitivity rather than a cold virus.

You can always order a health test to rule out vitamin or mineral deficiencies if you suspect those. You can also test the indoor air and take steps to improve air quality.

Some Tips on How to Improve Indoor Air Quality:

Improve Ventilation

It is important to ventilate. Fresh air comes from outside. While it may not be completely clean, it contains a lot of oxygen that you need. Open windows and doors whenever possible to benefit from natural ventilation.

In kitchens and bathrooms, it is smart to have exhaust fans. These remove pollutants directly from the rooms so that they do not circulate in your home.

Air Purifiers

There are many models to choose from today, and you rarely regret getting an air purifier. You can remove pollen, bacteria, and viruses from the indoor air with powerful models. The best variants use HEPA filters that remove tiny particles, including dust mites and tobacco smoke!

Also, consider using air purifiers with activated carbon to remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Don't forget to change filters in air purifiers as well as in other fan systems in your home regularly.

Reduce Pollutant Sources

Smoke on the balcony and use scented candles, open fireplaces, and incense sparingly. This can reduce the number of particles in indoor air that can be irritating and cause health problems. You should also consider what type of cleaning products you use. Aerosol sprays and paints should be non-toxic and preferably fragrance-free when possible.

Leverage the Power of Plants

Having plants in your home can act as a natural air purifier. While the effectiveness can be debated, some studies show that plants can absorb certain pollutants. They also produce oxygen and add beauty to your home.

Keep Clean!

Regular cleaning is also important. Removing dust mites from accumulated dust before it reaches levels that make people sick is beneficial. A cleaning schedule can be helpful, and sometimes it might be wise to get help from a professional cleaning service to reach places you don’t clean often, such as the top of kitchen cabinets.