The air quality of your home is very important for your health and for the home itself. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't often think about the air quality of their home's interior, or they may not realize that they can have that air tested and improved somewhat easily. Note a few factors to consider about your home's indoor air quality so you know if you should have that air tested and what to do to improve its quality, if necessary.

How air quality affects you

Poor air quality in your home can result in allergic reactions, asthma and other breathing disorders, dry or irritated skin, dry and irritated eyes, and headaches. In severe cases, you may also suffer from dizziness and fatigue.

Very dusty and dirty air can also dry out timber floors and benchtops, and the dirt can settle into porous surfaces of tile, dulling the surface. Mould spores can also settle onto wood building materials and spread along the home's framework, softening it and causing other damage.

What causes air pollution

Air pollution can come from outside, especially if your home is located near a production facility or farm, where bacteria and other irritants can become airborne. Causes of air pollution inside the home include using aerosol products, burning wood and even incense or candles, and smoking cigarettes; pollution also comes from kerosene stoves, fireplaces and wood heaters, and chemicals contained in cleaning products, building materials, paints and solvents.

Note, too, that a home can develop mould from having unchecked water leaks and poor ventilation, especially in very humid environments. Certain building materials may be at more risk for mould growth, including timber floors and benchtops. Carpeting that gets wet and doesn't dry properly can also allow mould to grow on the floorboards under its padding.

Addressing air pollution

Opening windows and adding a ventilation fan in the home can help to remove some air pollution, but these simple steps may not be enough to create a healthy atmosphere in the home. If you have the air quality of your home tested and those tests show the presence of mould spores or other irritants, you may want to have the home's framework cleaned professionally and invest in a high-quality air purifier. It can also be good to change the home's surface materials to those that are less likely to hold moisture, pollutants, and mould; a concrete floor versus carpeting, as an example, can mean less air pollution in the home.