Particulate matter refers to a mixture of liquid droplets and solid particles in the air. Some of this matter is 10 micrometers or smaller, and you can see it. Other particulate pollution is 2.5 micrometers and smaller, which is too small for you to see.
In any case, the concern with this floating matter is how it affects your indoor air and health. Fortunately, learning about the sources of this pollution, how it affects your health, and ways to remove it can help you improve the quality of your indoor air.
How Particulate Matter Is Harmful to Health
Particulate pollution can be made up of hundreds of chemicals that come from numerous sources. Some examples include car emissions, unpaved roads, fires, power plants, and construction sites.
Because this chemical mixture is so small, you can inhale the matter. Then, it gets deep into your lungs and bloodstream. As a result, it can weaken lung function, irritate airways, impair the ability to breathe, and make asthma worse. Since it enters the bloodstream too, it can cause irregular heartbeat and heart attacks.
How You Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
There’s no single solution for removing particulate pollution from your indoor air. Instead, you’ll want to implement several measures to keep the matter to a minimum.
Having adequate ventilation is a necessary measure that can involve opening the windows to allow the air to circulate. Turning on your HVAC unit’s fan while the windows are open aids the circulation. To that end, it’s important to change the air filters so that they can catch the particles as they pass through rather than recirculate into your indoor air. However, the best way to improve your ventilation is to install a ventilator in your home.
Some other simple measures include not smoking indoors, using the exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, not lighting fireplaces, and vacuuming often. Sometimes, though, you need extra help to keep particulate pollution under control.
Air cleaners and purifiers can help with that. Also, regulating the humidity in your home or business can improve air quality. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers can correct humid and dry environments.
Talk to an HVAC Specialist About Cleaning Your Indoor Air
If you need help with deciding the best way to improve the quality of your indoor air, Infinity Heating and Cooling can provide assistance. Take a look at our indoor air quality services, and call (702) 291-2000 for a quote.
