Fine particles, which are less than 2.5 microns in size are an even bigger concern. It’s the particles that are less than 10 microns in size that are of highest concern when it comes to indoor air quality. Most particulate matter is caught, thanks to filtration systems. As you can imagine, particulate matter can contain many things, like gases, dust mites, dirt, smoke, atmospheric air pollutants, etc. Particulate matter is a general term that’s used to describe broadly the particles that are suspended in the air. This ultimately can cause lung cancer and lead to death. Unfortunately, at that point, polonium has already lodged itself in the lungs and settled as a solid. Another problem is that radon enters into the body and then decays into polonium a few days later. However, if your home has high radon levels, your basement will by default have lead in it. Most people are familiar with lead poisoning in older buildings. During this decaying process, it breaks down from its gas form into heavy metal solids like polonium and lead. The problem with radon is that it decays once it enters a home. Basements are especially susceptible to radon, although homes built on a slab can also have high radon readings. Radon is a radioactive element that enters the home from the soil. Or, faulty appliances that give off heat don’t vent properly and allow carbon monoxide to build up inside the home instead of outside. There is either a lack of oxygen in the air, so carbon monoxide forms instead of carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide forms under two conditions in your home.
Because it’s hard to detect, it’s known as the silent killer. Those who already have allergies or weak immune systems will react more severely to mold.Ĭarbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can become lethal quickly. There are, however, some molds that can be even more dangerous. Most people will experience allergic reactions like coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritating throat, while in other instances some people might have mild shortness of breath. For that reason, its effects on health may vary. Mold comes in all shapes and sizes, there is no single species that can infect a home. It thrives in moisture and settled organic material, which makes the basement perfect for its growth. As far as basements are concerned, mold is the largest contributor to poor indoor air quality, so the rest of the post will focus on the mold. mVOCs include things like mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. These are mVOCs that are produced by nature itself, rather than a factory. Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) Some have even been named Group 1 carcinogens, meaning that they will cause cancer at certain levels of exposure.
VOCs can cause respiratory discomfort, asthma, and allergic reactions. Most products that have to do with painting or varnishing contain VOCs, from the latex paint on your walls to the polyurethane finish on the balusters in the hallway. They’re also found as ingredients in household cleaners and aerosol products like hairspray, for example. There are hundreds of VOCs commonly found, but you’d usually find them in composite wood products like laminate flooring, furniture, or kitchen cabinets. In other words, these gaseous chemicals continue to detach from a product and continue to circulate in the air for months, sometimes even years. The problem with VOCs is that they off-gas. VOCs are typically found in the manufacturing process of various items.
However, it’s important to at least have some basic knowledge of basement air pollution before even trying to make any improvements, so here’s a brief overview of what commonly pollutes indoor air. I’m sure you’re more interested in the solution rather than the cause of that unpleasant smell in your basement, so I won’t spend too much time on this subject. Conclusion What’s Inside the Air in Your Basement.Monitor and Maintain Your Indoor Air Quality.
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How to Improve the Air in Your Basement.Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs).
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