Are Air Conditioning Units Able to Keep The Air Inside Our Rooms Clean?

Keeping the air quality of your home at good levels is highly important – air pollutants can enter the bloodstream through harming lung tissue and cause many health complications. The following is a short list of possible causes of air pollutants that may currently be found in your home.

1. Ozone

Many individuals and families purchase air purifiers just to combat this problem of indoor air pollution. Some air purifiers, however, use a method of air purification that instead adds pollutants. These air purifiers use a high dose of ozone to kill mould and bacteria. Ozone, a major component of smog, can lead to scarification of lung tissue, elicit asthma attacks, and cause severe coughing fits. Here is a partial list of ozone generators that are marketed as air purifiers that you should avoid purchasing.

2. Lead Paint

Although leaded household paint is now widely unavailable, many old buildings still contain high traces of the substance. Lead can cause a wide variety of health problems as it interferes with body processes and is highly toxic to organs and tissues. Its interference with the nervous system is particularly dangerous, and may lead to permanent learning and behaviour disorders in children. Body growth may be slowed and kidney damage will likely occur.

3. Carpets

Carpets are the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and fungus, as well as being a great trapper of dirt, pet dander, and other unhealthy particles. There can also be minute traces of substances used in the manufacture of carpets, formaldehyde being a key chemical. Formaldehyde is quickly broken down into the air when it enters the environment, and it can also be found in wood products, paint, and varnishes. It irritates the eyes, nose, and throat, and may cause occupational asthma. Ingestion of formaldehyde will lead to stomach damage. Dust mites can easily provoke allergies and asthma – it is important to note that mites thrive in humidity. Mould and fungi typically trigger allergic reactions that range from respiratory problems to skin irritation to central nervous system problems (headaches, mood changes, etc.).

4. Cleaning Products

If a chlorine-based cleaning product is used along with an acid-based product, it produces chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is highly poisonous, and will lead to airway irritation, difficulty breathing, eye and skin irritation, and coughs. High levels of chlorine gas inhalation can cause pulmonary edema.

Thankfully, air conditioners may aid in removing some air pollutants. Many air pollutants are water soluble, and because air conditioners remove moisture from the atmosphere, they also remove the pollutants. Filters in the air conditioner also aid in removing pollen and particulate matter. Filters should be regularly cleaned, however, or clogged filters will instead contribute to air pollution instead of helping to clear it. Do not rely solely on air conditioning units to clean the air inside your home; do your part to remove any pollutants that might have been introduced through activities that you and your family engage in.