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How Toxic Is the Air in Dallas & Does It Affect Indoor Air Quality?

According to the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report, Dallas–Fort Worth was ranked among the top 25 worst cities in America for ozone pollution. This raises significant concerns about the outdoor air toxicity and poses potential risks for local families’ indoor air.

In this blog post, the comfort specialists at AirCo will discuss the factors that contribute to Dallas’s air quality concerns, how poor indoor air quality can affect your health and comfort, and ways to improve your IAQ to minimize your risk.

Understanding Outdoor Air Pollution

Dallas is one of the most polluted cities in the U.S. for both PM2.5 and ozone air pollution. PM2.5 refers to airborne particle pollution, including dust, soot, smoke, chemicals, metals, and more.

Prolonged exposure to such particles has been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory disease, cancer, and early death.

Ozone is another dangerous pollutant prevalent in Dallas’s air supply. In fact, in the 20 years since national ozone standards were established, Dallas has never reached its attainment, consistently receiving an “F” rating for ozone pollution.

How Poor Indoor Air Quality Affects Health & Comfort

Perhaps even more shocking than Dallas’s poor air quality is the fact that the air in your home can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

With the air quality already so dangerous in the area, this means your indoor environment can pose significant risks to your health and comfort, including:

• Respiratory issues: Pollutants like dust, mold, and pet dander can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.
• Increased allergies: Poor air quality can lead to persistent sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and sinus congestion.
• Fatigue and headaches: Exposure to airborne contaminants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds can cause chronic fatigue and frequent headaches.
• Dry skin and irritation: Low humidity levels and airborne pollutants can dry out the skin, leading to itchiness, redness, and irritation.
• Disrupted sleep: Poor air quality can contribute to snoring, sleep apnea, and general discomfort, leading to restless nights.
• Unpleasant odors: Poor ventilation and indoor pollutants can cause lingering odors, making indoor spaces feel stuffy and uncomfortable.

Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality

While the state of Dallas’s air quality may be frightening, you can take several proactive measures to ensure your indoor environment remains safe and healthy. These tips can help enhance safety and comfort in your Dallas–Fort Worth home:

• Install air purifiers: Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove airborne allergens, dust, and pollutants.
• Change filters: Replace air filters every one to three months to maintain clean airflow and prevent dust buildup.
• Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers to keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth and maintain comfort.
• Reduce pollutants: Avoid smoking indoors, use low-VOC paints and cleaning products, and limit the use of synthetic fragrances.
• Clean regularly: Vacuum carpets, dust surfaces, and wash bedding regularly to minimize allergens and improve air quality.

Turn to AirCo for Indoor Air Quality Services in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

AirCo has proudly served as a trusted source for quality comfort solutions in Dallas–Fort Worth since 1990. When you trust us for your indoor air quality solutions, you can always count on our team to deliver unbeatable service guarantees, including:

• Service and repair guarantees
• Zero-risk repair guarantee
• Two-year comfort guarantee
• No-lemon guarantee
• Installation guarantees

Don’t let pollutants invade your space — contact our team today to schedule indoor air quality services in Dallas, TX.