Wildfire Safety Air Quality Affects Health, Safety

LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2013) – The massive wildfire threatening the Las Vegas area, and filling its skies with smoke, grew to more than 27,000 acres on Wednesday, officials said. While those with homes in the area are in the path of danger, those in Las Vegas should be concerned about the air they are breathing.

As homes become more energy-efficient, they are also becoming more susceptible to indoor air pollutants, like smoke, in this case. Failure to eliminate indoor air pollutants can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation, as well as aggravation of asthma and allergy conditions. Frequent vacuuming and dusting can help, but many irritants can only removed with filtering devices. The Environmental Protection Agency lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental threat to the United States.

“The key to reducing the effects of poor air quality is controlling the factors polluting the air we breathe,” states Jeremy Anderson of Aire Serv of Las Vegas. “Limiting the causes and maintaining proper ventilation in enclosed areas will help increase the cleanliness of your air quality.”

In addition to the health threats, poor indoor air quality leads to structural degradation and instability. Common issues include structural rot, mold growth, ice dams, and musty odors. Aire Serv can identify the important issues and provide a solution tailored to your specific need. For more information or to contact your local Aire Serv, visit here.