The air we breathe is essential for our survival, yet many of us don’t fully understand what’s in the air that fills our lungs every day. In this blog post, we’ll explore some eye-opening facts about the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors, and why it’s crucial to pay attention to air quality for our health and well-being.
- Daily Air Consumption: On average, an individual inhales a staggering 12,000 liters of air each day. This constant exchange between our bodies and the environment highlights the significance of air quality.
- Indoor Air Dominance: Surprisingly, we spend about 90% of our time indoors, which means the majority of the air we breathe is indoor air. That’s a whopping 10,800 liters of indoor air daily, making indoor air quality a vital concern.
- Oxygen Percentage: While air is a mix of various gases, oxygen, the life-sustaining gas, constitutes only about 21% of the air we breathe. Understanding this ratio helps us appreciate how our bodies extract oxygen from the air.
- CO2 Levels: Outdoor air typically contains around 400 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, since we exhale CO2 when we breathe, indoor CO2 concentrations tend to be higher, especially in enclosed spaces and bedrooms.
- Dust in the Air: Shockingly, for every 1,000 square feet of indoor space, there can be up to 26 pounds of dust accumulating each year. This dust is a significant component of the air we breathe indoors.
- Dust Mites’ Presence: Dust is a favorite meal for dust mites, microscopic creatures commonly found in our furniture and indoor spaces. They thrive where there’s dust, making it important to manage indoor dust levels.
- Carbon Monoxide Dangers: Even small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) can lead to symptoms like drowsiness and nausea. Common sources of indoor CO include heating devices and cigarette smoke. CO is especially dangerous because it can accumulate in enclosed spaces, posing a severe health risk.
To ensure the air you breathe is clean, healthy, and safe, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Temperature Control: Maintain your indoor temperature between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius to create a comfortable and healthy environment.
- Ventilation: Open windows more frequently to allow fresh outdoor air to circulate indoors and reduce CO2 buildup.
- HVAC Maintenance: Schedule regular HVAC maintenance appointments at least twice a year to ensure your system operates efficiently and filters are clean.
- Dusting: Make dusting a weekly habit to reduce indoor dust levels.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality and protect your health.
Understanding the facts about the air we breathe is the first step towards ensuring a healthy living environment. By being mindful of air quality, taking preventive measures, and making healthier choices, you can enjoy cleaner, fresher air and better overall well-being.
For expert guidance on maintaining high indoor air quality, contact us at (877) 247-9797 to. We’re here to help you breathe easier and live healthier.
