CAN DIRTY AIR DUCTS AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?
One of the most frequently asked questions is “can dirty air ducts affect your health?” The short answer is yes.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend almost 90 percent of their time indoors. The levels of some indoor pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor levels. In fact, the people who are often the most at risk to the negative effects of pollution (such as the very young, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors. A common complaint about indoor air quality is allergic reactions when at home or at the office.
What Causes Allergic Reactions? Your immune system’s job is to get rid of foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. This is what protects us from diseases. People with allergies have very sensitive immune systems that react when they inhale, swallow or touch certain substances that contain the allergens. Some people are born with allergies. Others seem to develop allergies as they grow older.
The EPA states that the link between some common indoor air pollutants and health effects is very well established:
- Episodes of Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by exposure to the Legionella bacterium, have been associated with buildings with poorly maintained air conditioning or heating systems.
- Numerous indoor air pollutants—dust mites, mold, pet dander, environmental tobacco smoke, cockroach allergens, and particulate matter. These are all items that can contaminate your air ducts. They are also “asthma triggers,” meaning that some asthmatics might experience asthma attacks following exposure.
- Other health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer.
Whether you’re in your own home or working in an office, you deserve to breathe clean indoor air.
A before and after picture of clean fiberglass air ducts with our mold resistant duct coating.
Since 1992, DuctMasters has specialized in improving indoor air quality through our proprietary process of cleaning and refurbishing of air ducts and air conditioners. When needed, our technicians are also trained in repairing or replacing air ducts as well as installing a new high-efficient air-conditioner specifically designed to control humidity and improve indoor air quality.
You can schedule an appointment online or call (855) DUCT-411 (toll free) to learn more about our services.
