How Does Air Quality Affect Your Health?

Human health is a complicated matter. There are not one or two things that determine whether or not a person will be healthy, but rather countless elements come together to contribute to the bigger picture of health. One of the factors that is important but commonly overlooked is home air quality. People are breathing constantly, meaning whatever is in the surrounding air is going to go into the body, as well. This article will look closer at the connection between air quality and your health.

If you would like to add an air purifier to your home, or if you have any other heating and air needs in or around Greensboro, Berico is the right partner for the job. Call today to learn more.

What is Air Quality?

Before it’s possible to discuss the impacts of air quality on health, it’s important to first identify what is meant by the term “air quality”. As the name suggests, this is simply a measure of how clean the air is, and how safe it is to breathe. Even when air seems clear, there can be a variety of pollutants and contaminants and contagions present in different quantities. Particulate matter can be suspended in the air and make its way into the lungs, sometimes as the result of things like wildfires, combustion from engines, and so many other things that we often are completely unaware of that it can be difficult to determine where the pollutants originated.

Poor Air Quality and Health

When a person spends an extended time in a place with poor air quality – whether indoors or out – a number of negative health impacts can result. Those can include respiratory diseases, allergies, and even degraded mental health. In some extreme cases, poor air quality could trigger a major health event like a heart attack or stroke. Given the potentially serious nature of many of these health outcomes, it’s important for people to monitor air quality and do what they can to avoid exposure to low-quality air.

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“Air Pollution and Stroke”, Abstract Published on the National Institute of Medicine: Link to Full Article

“There is now substantial evidence linking air pollution and cardiovascular diseases including stroke. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke. Controlled exposure studies in man and experimental studies have provided insight into the pathobiological mechanisms leading to the induction of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, platelet activation, and propensity for coagulation. Air pollution should be recognized more widely as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare professionals will have an important role in promoting the awareness of this evidence, not just to improve the care of individual patients, but also to place pressure on policy makers for air pollution to be a public health priority.”

Some Steps to Take

When the air quality outside is extremely poor, the only viable option is to stay inside as much as possible to limit exposure. But unfortunately for many people, the quality of air in their homes is worse:  Indoor air pollution, identified by the EPA as one of the top five environmental hazards, poses significant risks to health. In fact, indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Fortunately, Berico offers great solutions, iWave and Phenomenal Aire. These air purifying devices, seamlessly integrated into duct HVAC systems, generate ions that combat pathogens, allergens, and odors, fostering a healthier indoor environment without harmful byproducts.

With these innovative products, not only are air ducts purified, but surfaces like tables, furniture, and countertops also benefit, promoting a safer environment for your family. Activation is simple—just power on your fan, furnace, or air conditioning system to experience cleaner, safer air throughout your home.

With the right HVAC Contractor, one of these whole house air purifiers can be easily added to an HVAC system to make it safer for everyone inside to breathe. Not only will this be a big step in the right direction from a health standpoint, but it can also make an indoor space a more comfortable, enjoyable place to be.

By working with Berico for all of your Greensboro AC and other HVAC needs, you’ll have a trusted and reliable partner on your side. Don’t risk the results of your next project with an unproven contractor when Berico is ready and willing to get started right away. Get in touch as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.