Breathing in good quality air is a basic need for everyone and much effort, time, and money is spent each year towards reducing pollution levels in our outside air. But, how good is the quality of our air indoors? Perhaps it is not something you think about too often unless there is a bad odor, etc. but very often, indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air. Let’s briefly consider one of the causes of this, biological pollutants.
In general, biological pollutants come from living organisms or the parts of living organisms. Some of the most common types of biological pollutants that you will find in your home are dust mites, animal dander, cockroach remnants, pollen, and viruses and bacteria. While this is not a list of things anyone wants to have in their homes, the fact is that they are present in every home and usually travel through the air completely undetected. Therefore, it is not really possible to rid your home of them completely.
Do some types of environmental conditions help to support the growth of biological pollutants? Yes, as they need moisture and nutrients to survive, places they are more likely to thrive would be areas prone to high humidity such as bathrooms and damp basements. Certain appliances like air conditioners and humidifiers, if not cleaned out regularly, will also provide ideal conditions for these air pollutants. Also, because some modern home designs and construction techniques prevent outside air from coming into the home, this could also result in an increase in indoor humidity levels, which in turn may promote the growth of biological pollutants.
Some people are known to suffer health problems related to biological pollutants. If this is something you are worried about, the best thing to do is consult with your health care practitioner who will be able to advise you.
In general, biological pollutants come from living organisms or the parts of living organisms. Some of the most common types of biological pollutants that you will find in your home are dust mites, animal dander, cockroach remnants, pollen, and viruses and bacteria. While this is not a list of things anyone wants to have in their homes, the fact is that they are present in every home and usually travel through the air completely undetected. Therefore, it is not really possible to rid your home of them completely.
Do some types of environmental conditions help to support the growth of biological pollutants? Yes, as they need moisture and nutrients to survive, places they are more likely to thrive would be areas prone to high humidity such as bathrooms and damp basements. Certain appliances like air conditioners and humidifiers, if not cleaned out regularly, will also provide ideal conditions for these air pollutants. Also, because some modern home designs and construction techniques prevent outside air from coming into the home, this could also result in an increase in indoor humidity levels, which in turn may promote the growth of biological pollutants.
Some people are known to suffer health problems related to biological pollutants. If this is something you are worried about, the best thing to do is consult with your health care practitioner who will be able to advise you.
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