Florida’s high heat, humidity, frequent rain, and occasional hurricanes are a breeding grounds for indoor air pollution and the growth of mold and mildew!
Homeowners in Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas experience extended bouts of heat and humidity in the summer, spending up to 90% of their time indoors with the AC running to achieve comfort!
Indoor Air Pollution Sources
Sources of indoor air pollution can include:
- Formaldehyde (particleboard, foam insulation, carpet, furniture, certain fabrics, and cabinets)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (perfumes and colognes, hairsprays, air fresheners, and various cleaning products)
- Tobacco smoke (cigarettes, cigars, and vapes)
- Asbestos (shingles, insulation, and tiles)
- Radon (various building materials and soil)
- Carbon Monoxide (kerosene heaters, gas furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves)
- Biological contaminants (pets, bedding, dust, damp fabrics, standing water, humidifiers, mildew, and mold)
- Pesticides (bug sprays)
- Outdoor smog from production facilities or vehicles
Indoor Air Health Effects
Symptoms of poor indoor air quality and pollution are easy to mistake for other health concerns such as allergies, colds, or even the flu. Indoor air pollution is frequently invisible and odorless, and long-term exposure can lead to the following health issues:
- Rhinitis (nasal congestion)
- Epistaxis (nose bleeds)
- Dyspnea (difficulty or pain breathing)
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Coughing
- Wheezing or worsened asthma
- Severe lung disease
- Conjunctival irritation (itchy/watery eyes)
- Rashes
- Fevers
- Chills
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lethargy, fatigue, or malaise
- Nausea or vomiting
- Myalgia (muscle pains)
- Hearing loss
- Upper respiratory congestion
