Duct cleaning may help alleviate asthma and allergy problems caused by mold, dust mites and other allergens.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 25 million adults and children in America have asthma and nearly 50 million struggle with hay fever. Mold, dust mites, and other allergens found in household and commercial duct systems can trigger the symptoms of both conditions. The CDC reports that allergies are the sixth most common cause of chronic illness in the United States.
Common allergy irritants that duct cleaning can help eliminate
Mold – Warm and humid conditions are a perfect breeding ground for mold. The health effects of inhaling mold spores can trigger asthma is they reach your lungs.
Symptoms of a mold allergy include coughing, shortness of breath, sneezing, fatigue, heart problems, joint pain, irritation of skin, eyes, and throat, migraines, and depression. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is a rare but serious condition where there is an inflammatory, as well as an allergic reaction to mold.
Mildew – Like mold, mildew can adversely affect your health. It is usually gray or white and grows in warm, moist areas. Inhaling mildew spores can cause headaches, coughing, and other breathing problems.
Pollen – Pollen can quickly enter your home on your shoes, clothes, and through open windows and doors. It is the enemy of many allergy suffers and circulates throughout your home via your HVAC system. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) reports that about 10 percent of adults in the United States suffer from severe pollen allergies. Most often, symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sinus pressure, scratchy throat, cough, decreased sense of taste or smell, cough, swollen, blue-colored skin beneath the eyes and increased asthmatic reactions.
Dust Mites – Dust mites can cause allergic reactions that can be severe in some people. They feed off of organic matter found in dust. A dirty duct is a perfect environment for them to breed. Their shells and excrement spread through your home via your ventilation system. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America lists the following health problems triggered by dust mites: runny nose, itchy skin, nose, mouth or throat, sneezing, red, watery eyes, postnasal drip, and coughing. The AAFA also warns that if you have asthma dust mites can aggravate the condition and cause chest tightness, trouble sleeping, wheezing, and other breathing difficulties.
Bacteria and viruses – All living creatures carry bacteria and viruses. They can include vermin trapped in homes, such as insects and mice, that you may not know are there. Airborne viruses and bacteria can become trapped in your ventilation system and quickly spread through the system. People with compromised immune systems, senior citizens, and children are most vulnerable to infection.
Pet Dander – According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America between 15 and 30 percent of allergy sufferers experience an adverse reaction to pet dander. Pet dander is specks of skin shed by dogs, cats, and any animal that has fur or feathers. When inhaled by an allergy sufferer, it can cause sneezing, runny nose, breathing difficulties, itchy, watery eyes, facial pressure or pain, eczema, trouble sleeping, and hives.
Indoor air pollution – The United States Envrironmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA has rated poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks. Most Americans stay indoor nearly 90 percent of the time. The air quality in homes and offices affect health. Polluted indoor air causes a host of problems such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and sinus problems. One method of reducing air pollution is to clean your air ducts regularly.
The ductwork is the lungs of your home and is always pulling in air and whatever allergens are in it and pushing out the breathable air for your family. At Clean Air Columbia, we want you and your family to breathe easy. We utilize the most powerful equipment in the industry to insure that the job is done right! We pay attention to every detail to ensure your air ducts are clean, and the air quality in your home is safe. We also offer top-notch indoor air quality products to reduce the allergens in your home. We provide filters to turn your ductwork into a whole-home air purifier; UV lights to kill mold spores and germs in the air, and dehumidifiers to prevent spiders and dust mites from growing.
Call us if you want a healthier home or workplace:
(573) 489-8303
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about air duct cleaning and improving the air quality for your family.