5 Health Conditions Triggered By Dirty Ducts

Did you know the average person in the U.S. spends 90% of their time indoors? It’s true—with our reliance on technology for business, education, and entertainment, much of our lives are lived within the confines of a building. Unfortunately, indoor air is notoriously dirty—up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to some experts. Poor indoor air quality can trigger health issues in sensitive individuals, so if you’ve been suffering from unexplained symptoms, the air you breathe may be to blame. At Dust Doctors, providing healthy indoor air quality is our number one concern. Today, we’re here to discuss five common health conditions frequently triggered by dirty ducts.

Allergies

If you spend the majority of your day inside a building, and your allergies are unrelenting, dirty ductwork may be the culprit. Inside your ductwork live thousands of bacterial growths, mold particles, and dust mites, all of which can trigger allergy symptoms. Pollen, dander, and chemicals are also present in your ductwork, which are notorious allergy triggers. To ensure your indoor air is as clean as possible, we highly recommend regular duct cleanings.

Asthma

If you have asthma, dander, pollen, dust, mold, and microbial life within your ductwork can trigger asthma attacks. If you’ve noticed your asthma symptoms are worse while you’re at home, it’s likely time for professional duct cleaning. You should also be sure to change your filters at regular intervals to maintain a healthy air quality in your home. To ensure your indoor air is free from particles that can trigger breathing difficulties, you may want to consider an air purification system, as well.

Respiratory Issues and Infections

If your ducts are dirty, they continually circulate dirty air throughout your home. Each breath you take can potentially introduce thousands of harmful, microscopic particles and microbes into your body. And if you’re sensitive to these tiny particles and growths, your lungs will respond accordingly. Because bacteria and viruses are among the microscopic particles living in your ductwork, it’s not uncommon for respiratory infections to occur. Other respiratory issues associated with dirty ductwork include:

●        Persistent coughing

●        Shortness of breath

●        Persistent congestion

●        Sore throat

Fatigue and Brain Fog

Did you know that mold can cause cognitive complications? It’s true—with long-term exposure, toxic mold has been implicated in cognitive impairment issues in adults and children. If you’ve experienced unrelenting fatigue, brain fog, confusion, memory problems, mood changes, or insomnia, these symptoms may be related to mold exposure. Thorough duct cleaning may help alleviate the problem, and of course, you should visit your doctor for a complete evaluation.

Skin Issues

Numerous particles that lurk within your ductwork can trigger irritating skin issues, like allergic dermatitis, rashes, hives, skin irritation, and itching. Mold and mildew are notorious for causing skin issues, so if your ducts haven’t been cleaned recently, a thorough cleaning may help alleviate the problem. To help reduce mold proliferation, you’ll also need to change your filters regularly. 

Duct Cleaning Specialists at Dust Doctors

If you’re dealing with unexplained health issues, and you believe they may be related to your ductwork, it’s time to call Dust Doctors. We’ve been serving Twin Cities homeowners for decades, and we’d love to make you our next satisfied—and healthy—client. We specialize in air whip cleaning, deep duct cleaning, air purification, and HVAC maintenance, so you can feel confident that your system is working at its best. To learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at 651-319-9777 or reach out to us on our contact page. If you’re ready to get started, feel free to request your free quote.