According to research conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, the air quality in most homes has reached critical levels of pollution that may contribute the increase in allergies, asthma and other common health problems. Have you ever wondered what you are breathing? Think the air in your home is clean? Keep reading to find out the facts and a few simple tips to combat air quality issues.


Dead Skin and Dander. Yes, you are reading this right. The average human sheds over a pound of flesh every year. Multiple that by the number of people in your home then add in some dander from the pets and suddenly you have a swirling mass of dead flesh circulating through your air vents and settling in the carpets. If that wasn’t bad enough, mites feed on dead skin and can cause skin irritation and rashes.


Toxins and Carcinogens. Most home owners would be stunned to learn how many common chemicals are actually toxins or known carcinogens (cancer causing agents); from popular cleaning agents to air deodorizers, popular home products often contain chemicals that accumulate in the fat tissue or cells of your body resulting in illness and disease.


Pollen and Spores. Although pollen and spores are natural, they can still present a health problem to many individuals with allergies or who are prone to headaches, eye irritation and other concerns. Spores can also lead to mold and mildew if left unchecked, including those that cause major health concerns.


Dust and Particles. Dust is really just a generic term used to describe all those things that are floating around in the air that the eye can actually see. From dead skin to plant particles, dust is composed of many different things. Common examples include small fibers from clothing, paper or other materials, minerals from the soil and even air pollution from the surrounding environment. Many of these pollutants are known to cause respiratory problems especially among the elderly, children or those with an illness.


With a relatively dry climate, homes have special air quality concerns since moisture and humidity help keep dust and debris from circulating through the air. One of the best ways to address air quality concerns is to have the air ducts, carpets and upholstery cleaned in your home. Search for a company that does it all at one time so cross contamination doesn’t take place. It is easy to have a clean home with one quick call to a reliable Phoenix air duct cleaning company like Kiwi Services.