3 Home Odors You Should Worry About

Posted in Air Quality, on April 17, 2015

Are you struggling to eliminate the irritating odors in your home? The only way to eliminate a smell involves the removal of the source. Though it sounds basic, you'd be surprised at how frequently individuals spray air freshener and hope the smell will vanish. An odor might originate from one or a combination of chemicals. Chemicals differ in their capacity to generate odors and people differ in their capacity to smell them. Chemicals that activate odors may produce health effects ranging from none, to mild discomfort, to more severe symptoms. Some chemicals with strong smells may cause nose, eye, and throat irritation. Strong smells may also produce a burning sensation in some people, resulting in wheezing, coughing, or other breathing issues. While odor-producing products are part of our lives, they could affect our health as well as indoor air quality. Here's an overview of home odors you should worry about.

1. Mold

Regardless of your residential area, everybody needs to decrease the amount of mildew and mold he or she inhales. If you notice a musty odor in your home, there's a high likelihood it's probably mildew or mold. Obviously, if you see mold in your home, then you recognize that you have a problem. Unfortunately, most of the poisonous mold floating in the air is invisible but may still pose serious health effects. Researchers have linked the presence of mildew and mold in our indoor air to more than allergic reactions. Some studies have even linked airborne mold stores to depression. Although a small quantity of mildew and mold is harmless, a major problem occurs when mold spores get out of control. Furthermore, a severe health hazard can occur especially to those who experience sensitive reactions to toxic mold. Mildew and mold are known to produce respiratory problems, nervous-system disorders, and common allergic response symptoms. These days, mold growth at work places and in homes is more of a health concern than you may think, so it's imperative you identify the symptoms and take the necessary measures to protect yourself and loved ones.

2. Pet Odors

As much as people love pets, they can affect the quality of indoor air in two ways: relieving themselves indoors or shedding dander. Pet waste odors are not only offensive but also affect the health of house occupants. In order to eradicate unhealthy conditions, you must understand how pet waste and pets could produce health problems to people and themselves. If you live with a pet, you must pay serious attention to air filtration and purification measures together with diligent cleaning. Rodent and birdcages, shedding, and cat boxes contaminate indoor air; this could cause asthma, allergies and other indoor-air related diseases. The contaminants can comprise animal dander and dried urine particles, which are termed "pet odors." Nevertheless, you can decrease the likelihood of experiencing health produces by following simple measures including:

• Wash your pets frequently to prevent excess dander
• Dust and vacuum frequently to control airborne allergens
• Frequent cleaning of bird, rodent, and reptile cages

3. Paint Odors

Do irritating odors, vapors, and fumes bother you after painting your home's walls? Are you wondering what the health effects and dangers are? While paint chemicals differ across companies, the real danger comes from paint fumes emitted after painting. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are present in the fumes; the compounds can cause immediate harm including respiratory and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory problems. It's important you adopt the necessary precautions to protect your health given the associated health effects. Nevertheless, you can minimize exposure by ensuring ventilation of the place you're painting. Alternatively, you could purchase paint that has low or no VOC. This will decrease the likelihood of harmful effects considerably.

When you notice the presence of strong odors, it might be prudent to examine the home with ultraviolet light and moisture meters to expose contaminated regions and establish the extent of the problem. Furthermore, avoid masking odors with chemical deodorizers, which are very ineffective and only worsen indoor air quality. If you're struggling to eliminate home odors or suspect they are causing health effect, please contact us so we can help: (416) 414-5690