There is SO much to think about during pregnancy. Expecting mothers can read books, watch videos and take classes to learn everything they can about what to expect. This includes learning about their health. One of the top questions is “What should I avoid when I’m expecting?”
Some things are well known, such as smoking and alcohol. But, what about air quality? Contaminants in the air can cross to the placenta. So, pollutants in the air not only affect the health of an expecting mother, but her developing baby as well.
Types of Air Pollution
The air inside our homes is contaminated by indoor and outdoor pollution that sneaks in. Some different causes of air pollution include:
- Pollution from fire and smoke, including tobacco smoke
- Household chemicals
- Mold and mildew
- Paint fumes
- Working outdoors with toxic chemicals, animals or in industrial areas
- Smog
Air Quality and Pregnancy
Doctors do not know why air pollution causes harm to some pregnancies and not others, and all the potential effects of air pollution have not yet been identified. But, there are some links between air quality and pregnancy, including adverse health outcomes such as:
- Preterm labor- Babies born before the 37th week
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirth during the third trimester
- Lung development issues
- Health concerns in the parent
How to Get Better Air Quality in Our Homes
We may not be able to control the levels of air pollution outside, but there are a few things we can do to help the air quality on the inside.
- First, find the sources of air pollution. Check for signs of moisture condensation and test for radon.
- Second, try to improve ventilation. Turn on fans. If you are painting or using toxic cleaners inside, open a window.
- Change your HVAC filter. This will help filter pollutants from your home.
- Consider adding an air cleaner to your home.
- Maintain your HVAC system.
Whether you’re concerned about air quality and pregnancy, or the condition of indoor air for everyone, we want to take away the worry. You can thank your HVAC system for the clean air you breathe and that is why scheduled maintenance is so important. With a comprehensive HVAC maintenance plan in place, your heating and A/C units can continue to run efficiently and last a long time.
If you would like to know more about how an indoor quality improvement system can make a difference for you, contact us today! The HVAC experts at Team AIRzona are happy to perform a thorough air quality assessment and help you choose the system and maintenance that makes sense for you and your family.
