It’s spring, which means it’s time to bring in the fresh air! But how fresh is “spring air” exactly? While it is a welcoming gift from nature, the air we breathe during the spring is some of the most polluted air throughout the year. This is especially true for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Here are the most common springtime pollutants and how you can mitigate them in your home.
Pollen is on the Rise
Spring is the time of pollination. Flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and the trees are budding. Pollen is typically considered an outdoor pollutant, but practically all outdoor pollutants can manage their way into your home. Having your windows open is, essentially, an open invitation for letting pollen into your home. And if you or your family suffer from seasonal allergies, they will have stuffy noses.
Mold
While mold growth can happen in the home at any time, mold spores are more present in the air during the warmer months. Warm weather leads to more mold growth. And if you live in a temperate or humid climate, there is a higher risk of mold entering your home. Mold spores can cause similar irritation, but if there is a spot in your home that encourages mold growth, it could result in disastrous mold infection.
VOCs
Spring cleaning is a tradition that, as sappy as it may seem, actually occurs very frequently. Because of this, many homeowners use a bunch of cleaners. But this can cause an influx of VOCs in your indoor air, which can result in eye and nose irritation, as well as dizziness and headaches.
How to Combat Springtime Pollutants
First and foremost, you need to change your air filter often. While it is recommended at least every three months, there is no harm in checking it periodically. If it is opaque and grey, it’s time to replace it. The longer a dirty air filter sits in your home, the more your family will suffer.
You should also regularly check pollen counts for your area before you decide to open those windows and doors. Pollen counts fluctuate throughout the season, and if anyone in the home suffers from a specific allergy (i.e, grass or tree pollen), they may have a miserable time inside with the window wide open.
For cleaning, be cognizant of the products you use. Make sure they are relatively safe and won’t cause any harmful reactions.
If you want to learn more about indoor air quality control and how to eliminate indoor pollutants consider contacting a professional air quality consultant company to keep your air clean and your home comfortable.