7 Myths About Indoor Air Quality

Air quality is a hot topic right now with the wildfires burning around our province. You may be inundated with air quality information, including indoor air quality. Did you know there are a lot of myths about indoor air quality? You might be under the impression that indoor quality can't be affected by pollution the way outdoor air can be or that air fresheners can clean the air inside. We've heard it all so we've compiled a list of myths related to indoor air quality!

1. Myth: Air pollution is only a concern outside, not inside.

Some people believe that when they come inside they are free of wildfire smoke, factory smoke or vehicle exhausts. Not exactly  true. Indoor air pollution can come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Personal care products, cleaning supplies, new furniture, and more can have VOCs. It's also very possible for outdoor pollutants to enter a home.

2. Myth: Indoor air quality doesn’t impact your health.

Indoor air quality can affect your health and even lead to serious, long-term health issues. Contaminants can cause avariety of health problems, including asthma, headaches, dizziness, and irritation of your throat, eyes, or nose.

3. Myth: Air fresheners improve indoor air quality.

Many people think air fresheners clean the air. This is not true. They simply mask odours. On top of this, scented candles, air fresheners, and other similar products may actually include chemicals which you are introducing into your air. Even if they are labeled green products, they actually can be VOCs.

4. Myth: If your house has mold, you’d know.

Just because you don't smell mold or a musty smell, doesn't mean mold is not there. Not all mold smells the same. If you suspect you have a problem, testing for mold is a good idea. You can find lots of tests online and lots of local companies. Call or text at 403-207-1748 and we can set you up with someone locally.

5. Myth: All HEPA filters are the same.

You’ve probably heard that high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the most effective option for purifying the air in a home. They are known for their ability to capture tiny particles of dust, dander, hair, and other pollutants. But, not all are made the same. This is great article about everything you need to know about HEPA filters. If you’re looking to purchase an air purifier, choose one with a true HEPA filter over one with a HEPA-type filter.

6. Myth: You don't need to change your HVAC filter regularly. 

If you don't change the old filter every three months, it can become clogged with dust, dander, and other indoor air pollutants. When it is clogged, it cannot easily trap additional contaminants from the air, meaning they will all be circulating within the home. This can make your family very sick! You're just making your HVAC filter work harder than it should if you don't change it. This can lead to issues with the system, costly repairs and high energy bills too!

7. Myth: You can’t monitor indoor air quality without expensive tools.

This is so false! Air quality monitors will help you track VOC levels, radon, carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature, and more. And you don't need to hire a professional to test your air quality. In fact, this list has great options and many are very affordable. 

Some of this content was curated from this article, which appeared on Yahoo.