Most people are fortunate enough to have heat and air conditioning in their homes these days. They’re modern amenities that certainly make life much more comfortable.
Heating systems help to make frigid days more tolerable and riding out winter storms far safer than they would be otherwise. Air conditioning gives people a much-needed break from potentially dangerous heat and humidity.
The Dangers of Ductwork
That being said, the ductwork that sends warm and cool air throughout people’s homes can actually detract from their safety and comfort rather than contribute to it. Without duct cleaning and sealing, hazardous substances can build up in ductwork where they’re constantly recirculated through the air people breathe. Take a few moments to learn more about the following seven contaminants that could be lurking in your ductwork and your home at this very moment.
1) Dust
Dust is among the more innocuous substances that make their way into HVAC ductwork. Dirt and pollen get tracked into your home or blown inside every time someone opens a door or window. Road grime from outside can float indoors where it gradually builds up. Of course, dead skin cells make up a significant portion of household dust. Those can come from both people and pets. Though none of these particles are particularly dangerous, they can certainly exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues.
2) Mold and Mildew
Moisture often gathers in ductwork as well. Condensation, leaks, and high humidity levels can all contribute to this issue. Where there’s moisture, mold and mildew are bound to follow. Those can trigger allergic reactions, cause respiratory problems, and bring about other health risks. Moisture can also provide a prime breeding ground for other types of fungi, none of which you want to constantly breathe in.
3) Bacteria and Viruses
Ductwork can also harbor millions of bacteria and viruses. Influenza, the common cold, measles, COVID-19, meningitis, and RSV are a few of the typical viral infections that can travel through the air into people’s respiratory systems. Bacteria that cause strep throat, MRSA, staph infections, and tuberculosis can also gather in HVAC ducts. From there, they may find their way to human hosts where they can cause serious illnesses.
4) Chemical Contaminants
An array of chemical contaminants may be circulating through your home as well. They can come from outside or internal sources. Some of them can cause headaches, wheezing, itchy eyes, rashes, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Certain chemicals are even more detrimental. They can weaken the immune system, cause organ damage, and increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
5) Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are widespread indoor air contaminants too. They come from cleaning products, paints, adhesives, and many other common household items. They can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, sore throat, and other symptoms. Some are carcinogens whereas others may cause damage to the central nervous system.
6) Pests and Droppings
Several types of pests can make their homes in ductwork, too. Those include rodents, insects, and birds. When they enter ducts, they may leave behind their droppings and other hazards. Contaminants like those can spread illnesses and cause allergic reactions when they become part of the air you’re breathing.
7) Fiberglass Particles
In some older or damaged duct systems, fiberglass particles may break loose and enter the air. Fiberglass can irritate the skin and throat. If its particles enter the lungs, they can cause breathing difficulties as well.
Keeping Contaminants Out of Indoor Air
Those are some of the most common contaminants found in indoor air. While they can come from numerous sources, they’re known to accumulate in ductwork. From there, they can recirculate throughout your home, leaving behind numerous problems. Having your ductwork cleaned regularly and repaired when needed can help keep your home free of dangerous pathogens and pollutants.
