Pure air is not something to take for granted, especially when elderly relatives limited to a particular setting for an extended period of time are breathing it in over and over.
That’s because, depending on a number of factors, the breathable space can easily become tainted. Inhaling the same dirty air has the potential to compromise their health even further.
For this reason, whether they are simply restricted to a home because of age or have an illness which requires them to remain mostly stationary, monitoring levels to ensure pure air needs to be part of the everyday care.
Doing so can make all the difference as not only will our loved ones benefit but from pure air, but everyone breathes a bigger sigh of relief knowing they are in a better environment.
Pure air factors
The following are three important factors which should be periodically examined in order to achieve the purest air possible. What’s great is that they are easy to check up on without having to hire further outside help.
1. Dust
Dust is probably the most common form of natural air pollutant known to man. It’s everywhere and over time it gets in every nook and cranny.
When a home isn’t dusted often even the mildest buildup can cause periodic sinus and respiratory infections. For people who already have difficulty breathing this can be an unnecessary additional struggle they must contend with in an already complicated world.
The solution requires regular dusting around the most commonly used areas of a living space and periodic dusting everywhere else. Doing so is very important because the greater the buildup the more dust will float through the air from a draft or someone walking by.
2. Mold
Even more dangerous than dust is mold, which is generally found in moist, humid places like the bathroom and kitchen or when water damage occurs. Stopping mold and mildew early can prevent sickness in people of all ages, especially the elderly who are more vulnerable.
If it is discovered that mold is growing in a spot the area should be scrubbed with bleach which kills mold spores so they don’t grow and become airborne.
Letting mold linger is simply asking for trouble. Also if its appearance is the result of a leak it could lead to a more severe structural problem.
3. Central Air
Central HVAC (heating and air conditioning) systems are essential to many residences where elderly family live and especially homes where they may spend most of their days. Their primary function is to control temperatures and help circulate air when the local environment isn’t as hospitable on its own.
However, when these systems run hours on end their filters usually collect a host of particles like dust, mold, chemicals, and many other things floating around a home.
As any HVAC contractor will tell you this means the filters must be checked and if necessary cleaned or replaced because the busier they are the dirtier they may be. It’s important to avoid this because when excess filth builds up it can result in unhealthy particles re-circulating into the breathable space tainting the air.
It’s very hard to tell when this occurs because it’s not something which can be seen outright but a quick look at vents and the filters inside will be a good indication if they need to be tended to.
About the Author : Jakob Barry
Jakob Barry is a home improvement journalist for Networx.com. He blogs about green topics for pros across the U.S. like, Warren, MI, air conditioning contractors.
