Can Dirty Air Ducts Cause Health Problems?

Commercial air duct cleaning service

Contaminated, dirty air duct systems can pose health problems that may lead to persistent respiratory issues for employees on the job or family members in the home. If such health problems arise, consulting with a professional air duct cleaning service would be a good first step to determine if the ductwork is the problem. Dirty, dusty air ducts are not uncommon to newer or older buildings. Though common dust is not a risk to your health, the type of particulate matter that the dust may carry can be.

Commercial and Residential Air Duct Cleaning for Healthy Indoor Environments 

Air duct systems contaminated with harmful particulate matter in commercial, industrial, institutional, or residential environments are a risk to the health of customers, staff, patients, visitors, and families alike. Particulate matter can vary in size, shape, and composition. Also known as particle pollution, particulates consist of a fine airborne mixture of solid and-or liquid particles. Their size, 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller, remain suspended in the air, outdoors and indoors. The small particles are inhalable and can be a source of concern, especially to those susceptible to respiratory ailments. The dust that carries indoor particulate matter through air duct systems can be a potential health risk.

Don’t Settle for Dust

Dust, in most cases, is relatively harmless. It’s the fine dirt kicked up in the wake of a speeding car, or those minute particles we see in the light of a sunbeam drifting through the living room. Yet dust consists of microscopic particles and it can mix with all kinds of residue from other microscopic solid matter like pet dander, paper, pollen, plastic, textile fibers, mold spores, fungi, dead skin, insect follicles, and rodent feces. Once it mixes and moves through or settles on the surface of ductwork, it can contaminate your HVAC system and become a breeding ground for bacteria, mites, and other allergens that can spread throughout a factory, shop, hospital ward, office or home.

Dirty air ducts allow fine particulate contaminants to travel throughout any building, room to room, space to space. The health problems that may arise related to the exposure of harmful inhalable particles that can affect the throat, eyes, sinuses, and lungs. This exposure is linked to a number of health-related problems ranging from eye, nose and throat irritation to aggravation of respiratory ailments and disease symptoms.

For example, allergies and asthma can be aroused by the dust mixed with pet dander, mold spores, pollen and other allergic particles carried through dirty air ducts. If allergic reactions or asthmatic attacks are triggered or such symptoms are worse at indoor locations like the office or at home than elsewhere inside, it is not unreasonable to consider a dirty air duct system may be a contributing factor.

Besides allergens, viruses, fungi, and bacteria that cause respiratory infections can also linger in dirty air ducts. Every time air is pushed through an air duct system, it circulates throughout the building, blowing out some of the germs into the workspace or living spaces. If your friends, family or colleagues are getting sick with respiratory infections more frequently than what may be considered average, it may be a good time to consult with a professional air duct cleaning service.

How Do You Know If Your Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?  

Turning to a professional air duct cleaning service is the most effective way to know when your air ducts need to be cleaned. They can do this with a simple inspection. Inspection and cleaning of your duct system can greatly improve the indoor air quality of your work or living space. In addition, clean air ducts are vital for a healthy indoor environment and a smooth operating HVAC system. 

Professional air duct cleaning services provide decontamination through high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtrated vacuuming of the system. They will ensure that dirt, debris, and other contaminants are fully removed from any ductwork system. Having trained professionals from Octagon Cleaning & Restoration inspect, assess and, if necessary, clean the air duct system in your residential dwelling or commercial building will at the very least eliminate a cause of concern for ongoing health-related issues. At best, Octagon Cleaning & Restoration may reveal a prime source for those health problems on the job or at home.