Air quality: how to reduce symptoms from Canadian wildfire smoke Shut them tight during winter and contaminants get trapped, making your air quality potentially 100 times worse than that of the outside air. If the air is too dry, too humid, or filled with irritants such as pet dander, mold, or dust, this can lead to low energy levels and sluggishness. Finally, propose or discuss a plan with your mayor or any relevant local authority to promote your regions renewable energy sector. Yes, certain rooms can make you sleepy. Air pollution is unpredictable; air pollution in your vicinity can affect people living in Asia and vice-a-versa. If results reveal gas levels above the EPA-recommended 4 picocuries per liter, hire a remediation company to install a system for venting the gas away from your house (about $1,200). Here are 10 things you can do to keep your house, and you . You can also fight the effects of air pollution by maintaining personal hygiene: Smoking cigarettes, hookahs (shisha), electric vape or any other types of cigars are not at all suitable for your health. You'll need to hire a professional, but be savvy about which company you choose. This type of vacuum will not get the microscopic particles that could be making you unhealthy. Copyright The science of air 2023| All Rights Reserved. She further noted that inhalation of filthy air causes irritation of the upper airway tract and causes swelling and congestion of sinuses and respiratory tract. PM can include dust, dirt, smoke, aerosols, and allergens such as pet dander, mold spores, and pollen. This is what exactly happens when more pollutant-infused blood circulates in your body. It can grow anywhere thats moist and it can accumulate over the course of weeks even days. Treatment Complications Mold removal Prevention Takeaway Mold can cause health problems, especially for those with allergies or asthma. You can always observe the changes happening in your surrounding nature. In this blog post, we discussed, does poor air quality make you tired? Firstly, this article briefly introduced you to the basics of air pollution. In the end, the report shared essential tips to decrease the air pollution around you. Take a glass of warm white milk. The people participating in this study wore FitBit like actigraphy watches. It has also been found that coffee can have the opposite of the intended effect in some people. Thus if enough oxygen is supplied throughout the body, it can increase dizziness, tiredness and heart problems. Does your refrigerator leave a lingering, funky smell every time you open and close it? Clearing up the mess will put your mind to rest. First Alert's OneLink Series SCO500 ($64; amazon.com), for example, provides both smoke and carbon monoxide detection, and a voice alert indicates where the alarm originated. In addition, such people are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. Dont Know Why You Feel Tired? For example, you can frequently clean your cupboards and open decks to avoid an accumulation of dust particles. The Environment Protection Agency calculates the AQI for five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Fatigue From Exposure to Household Mold - Mold Advisor Taking small breaks throughout your day, such as a few minutes in your garden or a walk around the block, can help provide a mental rest and some energy. 1. Easily installed, whole house fans can greatly improve ventilation. If youre feeling drained and dont have energy even after making changes to your lifestyle and consulting with a doctor, it may be worth looking into this possibility. This air quality level can pose a threat to everyone. The most reliable option is to hire a professional to do an air quality test. Sometimes, the things we suspect the least turn out to be the biggest hidden culprits that silently affect our health in innumerable ways. Humidity breeds pollutants such as mold and provides a rancid environment for VOCs to flourish. Radon gas is produced as a result of the natural breakdown of uranium in soil. Beltz, R., 2018. If the humidity in your home drops below 30%, you can experience a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and dry skin. If you can keep your breath for a longer time, then you have good lungs health. While coffee works as a stimulant and does give you the much-needed kick each morning, you should know that its effect is temporary and will wear off during the course of the day. Family Ties: Benefits of Living in a Multigenerational Household. Even with the economic troubles at the beginning of this year, Going to the dentist is essential for your oral health. Even if you wear a mask and exercise or run outside in a smoggy condition, you will end up spending more energy on breathing. But by understanding the risks, you can protect your family against house-borne illness. A good nights sleep will keep you feeling invigorated the next day. Service your heating system. Use chimneys and exhaust fans in kitchens. SheKnows is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Members of sensitive groups may get ill effects. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. If its filled to the brim with crumbs and dust bunnies, its time to dump it out. Educate youth by telling them the ill effects of poor air quality. Fill your sink with hot water and place your head over the sink for relief. VOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Its also possible that you may be feeling the effects of stress and anxiety. Its recommended to set your thermostat between 65 and 72 degrees F. Any lower than that will make your room too chilly to sleep in. Additionally, if there are cracks in your homes walls, windows and doors, air can leak out and cause poor air circulation and humidity levels to rise. It is strongly recommended to learn this art of breath from a well-certified yoga trainer. "Dry winter air dehydrates the nasal and lung linings, making people more susceptible to asthma, congestion, and viral infection," says Jay Portnoy, MD, chief of the allergy and asthma department at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. You can also increase your lung muscles by simply taking a deep breath and holding it for a count of 10. Things in Your House That Can Make You Sick: Mold, Carbon - WebMD How can you evaluate the quality of your homes ventilation system? Reasons Your House Might Be Making You Tired - SheKnows Have you ever been in a building that immediately makes your eyes watery, throat scratchy or skin dry? Lastly, an airtight house can create issues such as excessive noise, drafts, and a lack of fresh air, which can make it unpleasant to be in the home. Even in highly polluted cities, the air quality in your home could be up to 5 times worse than the outdoor air. This will help you determine the optimal humidity level for your house and figure out how to reduce it. Are you exhibiting signs of toxic mold exposure? Air from the living space below can carry water vapor into the attic, hitting a cold place in the attic and causing rot and mold growth. Symptoms may include: Headaches Eye irritation Nose irritation Sore throat Skin rashes Chronic fatigue Congestion Dizziness and others You can then vacuum your carpets and sofas at least twice a week. Make sure your doggies and cats are well-groomed. To avoid mold in your house, take action to eliminate. Its not uncommon for a squirrel or a mouse to get into the house. On the contrary, your productivity levels go down, and you can feel irritated. Not only will this help ensure that toxins in the air are kept to a minimum, it will also help reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. Blue walls tend to have a calming effect on your mind. Comparing and Contrasting Autism and ADHD, Benefits of Adding Fresh Crab to Your Diet and Meal Plan, The Surprising Health Benefits of Hard Water, Summer Riches: Coal Oil Lamps, Cool Well Water, and Blackberries with Cows Cream, Romance 101: How to Show Her You Love Her. It helps to keep a regular HVAC maintenance routine. Tiredness and air pollution are linked to the following factors: Before going into its detail, lets go ahead to see the facts of air pollution. Perhaps you acquired a new pool and need, Owning a boat is a powerful experience, but with great power comes. This will leave you feeling tired and unfocused the next day. This happens because of the depletion of oxygen and lack of fresh air. If youd like a more comprehensive assessment of your homes air quality, you may want to consider hiring a home inspector or an environmental engineer to do a professional environmental assessment. Radon poisoning doesnt exhibit immediate symptoms, making it hard to identify. 5 Hidden Ways Your Home Could Be Making You Sick - HomeGo Even tobacco smoke can stick to your clothes. 1. Air quality is acceptable; some pollutants present in the air might be dangerous for a minority of people who are very sensitive to air pollution. Copyright 1999-2023. Furthermore, it could be caused by a lack of mental stimulation. Plastic, when burned, releases various toxic gases such as dioxins into the air. You have entered an incorrect email address! Such a process ultimately affects your breathing. It not only improves your stamina and immunity levels but also helps to increase your lung capacity. Any living matter receiving less oxygen will feel drowsy, and your overall body system will not work correctly. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has determined the air quality index (AQI) to know the air quality you inhale. However, too much humidity in the home can also make you sick or uncomfortable. Besides using a humidifier, you can increase the moisture in a home by producing a steam bath or taking a hot shower. Environmentalists have also keenly observed that high air quality alerts directly correspond to the energy levels of humans. Not getting enough sleep can cause you to feel extremely tired and impact your mental clarity and energy throughout the day, even if you dont do any physical activity. Its common for odors and moisture to accumulate in the kitchen and bathrooms. Did you know it contributes to the development of insomnia? This is not a do-it-yourself job. This is because the toxic pollutant cocktail you inhale through your nose can deeply penetrate your lungs. Lastly, you can always opt for walking a shorter distance. The best fan we tested is the Vornado 660, which has great air speed and volume, meaning . Trying to understand, Ever wonder what the tiny rails on top of rifles and other firearms, Whether youve owned a business for 12 years or have just, Solo business ownership is on the rise. Second, you should be aware of any signs or symptoms of air pollution that may present themselves in your home. In dry environments use a humidifier to bring humidity to between 30 and 50 percent. Continuous exposure to high levels of poor indoor air quality can result in sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea and chronic sleep deprivation. You can also switch off the lights and electrical appliances of the vacant rooms. They use 90% less energy than your HVAC, and in cool, dry climates can completely replace it. An insufficient addition, an oxygen supply fluctuates your mood levels, makes you irritable and sluggish all the time. Finally, your home environment could be a factor as well, such as poor air quality or insufficient ventilation. Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas that's carcinogenic over the long termit's the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United Statesand has been found to be present in homes across the country. The odds are that your lifestyle choices, household appliances and even home decor could be having an effect on your sleep patterns and, ultimately, your energy levels. This creates a greater load on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, resulting in higher energy bills. But instead of using the standard flat fiberglass filters, choose pleated products (they look like accordion-folded paper) with a MERV-8 rating, and seal any gaps around the filter-access opening with duct tape. The gas rises from the ground and seeps into your house through foundation cracks. 3. Watch out for these household items that may be negatively . Learn why your house might be making you sick, and what you can do about it. Pollutants that may be lingering in the air can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, many researchers have claimed that gasification technology or waste-to-energy technology may release harmful gaseous contaminants. If you find moisture, fix the problem immediately, and then eradicate any mold you can see. Is the air in your house making you sick? 6 Ways Back to Clean Air Researchers are trying to establish the link between poor air quality and tiredness. Overall, it is best to speak to a healthcare professional if you have been feeling tired and have no energy at home, as this could be an indication of an underlying medical or mental health issue that requires appropriate treatment. Always make sure you are keeping your house well ventilated. Finally, the article mainly focused on why poor air quality makes you tired. In more ways than one, any home can make their occupants sick. But if your fireplace is used on a regular basis, have it done every year. These pollutants are derived from natural and human activities, and they can be chemical or biological. If moisture winds up in the attic, so will mold. A clogged flue can cause a potentially deadly exhaust backup and become a fire hazard if too much flammable soot builds up inside. Billings revealed that around 60% of participants suffered from poor sleep and had low sleep efficiency. Besides mould spores and dust particles, biological by-products include exhaled carbon dioxide and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). The U.S. EPA estimates that pressed wood products are the largest source of formaldehyde emissions inside. The symptoms most commonly reported by those affected by a "sick house" are many and varied, depending on the sensitivity of the person and the severity of the issues in the home. So get hold of that stack of clothes lying on your couch, hang them on wooden hangers and put them away in your closet. Avoid overuse of strong perfumes or strong scented candles indoors. The researchers then analyzed this data set with the significant pollutants present in their homes. However, the general public is likely not to get affected. If you discover any mold, be sure to clean it with bleach solutions or soap and water. To test for toxic mold, youll need professional air quality testing. Reasons Your House Might Be Making You Tired - SheKnows