3 Ways Pets Lower Indoor Air Quality in Fort Myers, FL

Pets can bring joy to your household as caring companions and adorable friends. However, they can also negatively affect your Fort Myers, FL home’s air quality. Read on to find out how pets affect your home’s air quality and what you can do to improve the air in your home.

1. Allergens and Pet Dander

Pet dander consists of microscopic fragments of skin shed by cats, dogs, birds, rodents and other animals. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) estimates that 10% to 20% of Americans are allergic to pet dander.

The AAFA also states that twice as many people are allergic to cats as to dogs. The dander and other allergens found in the saliva, urine and feces of dogs and cats may remain in the air for a long time.

2. Foul Odors Caused by Pet Waste

If you own a cat, you are likely aware of the unpleasant smell that litter boxes emit. An offensive odor lingers throughout the house, affecting the air quality. Although a covered box can be helpful, regular scooping and cleaning are still necessary.

The presence of pet urine in the house contaminates the air and can make people sick. Animal urine contains ammonia, a toxic gas that can cause respiratory issues and headaches. Sometimes, pet urine can even trigger asthma attacks when you’re exposed for an extended period.

3. Spreading Pathogens

Many pathogens spread from dogs to humans. Some common dog diseases are airborne or known to transfer by air. To prevent the spread of pathogens and maintain clean air, it is helpful to incorporate an air filtration system into your house.

Many allergens, airborne pathogens and unpleasant odors associated with pets can lower indoor air quality. Luckily, at Arctic Air Home Services (formerly Spectrum), we offer professional air duct cleaning, plus a variety of air cleaning products, HVAC repair and maintenance services, so call us today!

Image provided by iStock