Does Indoor Air Quality Have an Effect on Lung Infections?

The Coronavirus outbreak has scared millions of people around the world. We’ve been cooped up indoors for nearly two months. We’re finding new ways to stay positive amid social distancing, closed businesses, and massive layoffs. 

Air Authority continues to serve our customers in the Cincinnati area as an essential business. Our staff follows all mandates and social distancing orders as outlined by state and local authorities. One critical issue that’s come up during stay-at-home orders is indoor air quality as it relates to sicknesses and lung infections. In today’s blog from Air Authority, we discuss whether indoor air quality has an effect on lung infections and diseases.

Related Post: Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

What the Experts Say

The American Lung Association states that bad indoor air quality can contribute to or cause lung infections and diseases, such as cold and flu, bronchitis, COPD, and asthma. These infections could make it hard to breathe. Poor indoor air quality may put people at greater risk for lung infections.

The EPA says that indoor air pollutants may worsen symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases. Pollutants may worsen their effects during high temperatures and high humidity levels.

Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Bad indoor air quality may come from several sources, both natural and artificial. Keep an eye out for:

• Tobacco products
• Household cleaning chemicals
• Excess moisture
• Fuel-burning combustion appliances such as wood stoves
• Mold
• Mildew
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Pet dander
• Water damage
• Dust
• Dust mites

Many of these pollutants can build up in your home and decrease your indoor air quality over time. Your HVAC system blows these substances all over your house. You may not even realize these pollutants are causing detrimental health effects until after your symptoms develop or worsen.

Where Does the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fit In?

COVID-19 is a virus that infects and settles in the lungs. An article by the Washington Post quotes health experts as saying indoor pollutants may increase the risk of lower respiratory infections. It’s one factor that may have led to the virus spreading so quickly in China. The two main pollutants cited are cigarette smoke and wood-burning fireplaces in homes. 

What You Can Do

Help your lungs and your body’s natural healing mechanism by maintaining a clean home that is free of indoor air pollutants. Keep household chemicals in closed cabinets. Quit smoking. Keep your home free of dust and pet dander by cleaning and vacuuming regularly. Check the filter on your HVAC unit to see if it’s running properly. If you see a buildup of dust on it, vacuum it out. Open your windows and let some fresh air in for several hours a day.

Other options include an electronic air cleaner and a whole-home air purifier. Our experts can install both of these devices in your HVAC unit to improve your indoor air quality when opening the windows simply isn’t practical.

Related Post: Benefits of Effective Air Filtration in Your Home

Air Authority & Indoor Air Quality

Air Authority can help you if you want better indoor air quality. We can recommend the right air filtration, electronic air cleaner, humidifier, or dehumidifier for your home. Contact Air Authority or call (513) 229-0789 for more details on our services and products.