When most of us think about keeping our homes safe and healthy, we think about disinfecting high-touch areas.

But indoor air quality can affect health, too. According to the Environmental Protection Agency:

In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the pollutant levels within homes can sometimes be higher than in outdoor air, even in large, industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. The potential health effects from indoor air pollution vary greatly and range from allergies and asthma, to cancer and even death.

This is caused mainly by indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air, although poor ventilation, high temperatures and high humidity can contribute to the problem, too. In addition, "tight house syndrome" can lock in dirty, stale air, according to John Piccirilli Plumbing & Heating.

Common indoor pollution sources are: carpets, building material, paint, stain, cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, bug sprays and more.

We all spend so much time indoors — and maybe more time lately at home — that the majority of the air you and your family breathe is likely indoor air. If you're curious about whether your indoor air quality is as healthy as it should be, reach out to the professionals at John Piccirilli Plumbing & Heating. They can help you reduce indoor air pollutants, which could improve your health and the value of your home.

Learn more online at jpplumbingheating.com or by calling 607-775-1316. Tell 'em we sent you!

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM