One in Three Homes Are Unhealthy, Study Shows

A recent study by the National Center for Healthy Housing has revealed that approximately one-third of all homes in major metropolitan areas have factors that may pose serious health risks for their inhabitants. With problems like asthma and allergy on the rise, the study highlights the importance of making the home a safe haven – and is concerning because it appears that so many homes have serious issues when it comes to things like indoor air quality and overall health and safety. The study also reinforces why homeowners need to be conscientious about keeping their homes in excellent shape.

The Top Problems Found in Homes

According to the study, there were a handful of very serious health risks running rampant in many homes. Rodents, water leaks and peeling or chipping paint are all just a few examples of the issues that were discovered by the researchers who conducted the study. The study used data culled from the U.S. Census Bureau in order to reach its findings. Learn more specifics about the many problems that are infecting homes in metropolitan areas by checking out the detailed list below:

Leaking Water – Water leaks were one of the biggest problems discovered during the study. It’s apparent that many homes have undetected water leaks – often in the attic or in the basement. These leaks can trigger mold growth, which leads to mold spores floating freely and rampantly around the home. Not only does mold impact the immediate area, then, but it can compromise the overall indoor air quality of a home. Mold spores brought on by water leaks can exacerbate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Rodents – Rodents were another major problem, according to the study. Even if the people living in the home aren’t scared of rats and mice, they should be concerned about the health implications that rodent feces can cause. Rodents make a home very unsanitary, and humans can contract illnesses from these unwanted guests.
Peeling Paint – Although many homes were thoroughly inspected for lead-based paints and asbestos a few decades ago, not all of them were. Peeling paint that contains lead can cause serious health problems for the people living in a home. Not only that, but VOC-based paint – paints that contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds – can cause irritating airborne particulates to enter the air in the home, which can trigger many health problems of their own. Peeling and/or chipping paint must be addressed immediately, and VOC-based paints should be avoided at all costs.
Cracks/Unsealed Openings - Whether they are large and apparent – or small and barely noticeable – cracks and holes in the walls, floors and ceilings of the home can let in all sorts of pollutants and contaminants. Also, these small openings can allow moisture into the home, causing mold and decay. It is wise to perform a periodic maintenance check to be sure that all openings remain sealed to keep the living environment as healthy as possible.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

This recent study definitely raises concerns about many important health topics, but few are as pressing as indoor air quality. The majority of the issues raised above come back to air quality in the end. If the air in a home is polluted, the people living there are much likelier to suffer from a bevy of health problems. What can be done, though? Beyond repairing holes and cracks, preventing mold and leaks and keeping up on routine maintenance, there is one major thing that you can do to keep your home as healthy as possible.

Use a HEPA Air Purifier

One of the best safeguards for protecting the health of your family is a HEPA air purifier. HEPA air purifiers can help turn an unhealthy home into a healthy one. For one thing, they promote better breathing and overall good health. They work as great safeguards by removing up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants from the home. You and your family will be breathing pure, clean air instead of mold, pollen, dust, dander and other unpleasant things.

Order Today from Clean Air Plus

Shopping for a high quality HEPA air purifier – like one by Austin Air, IQAir or Amaircare – is easy when you order from Clean Air Plus. Clean Air Plus is as concerned about the findings in this latest study as you are; that’s why we’re proud to sell only the best air purifiers available. You can promote the health of your family – and achieve excellent indoor air quality – by investing in an air purifier from Clean Air Plus today. Discover the many positive benefits of using these products by ordering now; the health of you and your family will benefit greatly.

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