Tampa indoor air pollution

Understanding Indoor Air Particle Pollution

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Tampa indoor air pollution

Understanding Indoor Air Particle Pollution 

 

Sometimes called PM or particulate pollution; particulate matter describes a combination of solid or liquid particles suspended in air. They range in size, shape and composition. When inhaled, they can cause serious health problems. In this article, we examine the causes, effects and offer some solutions to reduce indoor PM.

 

Health Impact of Indoor PM 

The size of the particles is important. Small fragments are inhalable, and very tiny particles can go deep into the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream. They have an especially negative effect on the heart and lungs, so people who already have heart or lung issues are quite vulnerable to this type of indoor air pollution. Some common health risks include:

Irritation of eyes, nose and throat;

Exasperation of heart and lung disease symptoms

Premature death in people with coronary or respiratory disease.

 

Sources of Indoor PM 

Some indoor particulate matter makes its way inside from outdoor sources, and some originate in the home. Indoor matter is often created from cooking, combustion, hobbies, and may even be of biological origin. Common sources of indoor PM include:

  • Candles or incense
  • Stove
  • Fireplace or heater
  • Tobacco smoke

 

The level of indoor pollution varies widely and depends on several factors such as outdoor levels, use of combustibles, and the ventilation system of the home.

 

Reducing Exposure to Indoor PM 

 

Filtration to Improve indoor Air Quality 

Taking the above measures will help reduce some of the indoor pollution, but the improvements are modest. You may want to take further steps to remove particles from your indoor air. There are numerous indoor air quality solutions from which to choose, The two primary categories of air purifiers are:

 

  • Portable air filter 

 

These are typically small units designed to clean the air in a specific room or area of the home.

 

  • HVAC filters 

 

This type of system cleans the air in the entire home or building.

 

For more information, we recommend reading the EPA’s Guide to air filters 

 

Test Your Air Quality 

You can have a professional test the air quality in your home. This is a great way to determine which air purification option is best for you. Some filters target specific particles and might work better for your home. Research shows the most effective method of reducing indoor air pollution is using an air filter. If you are concerned about the air quality in your Tampa area home, Contact Healthy Home today for assistance. We have a wide range of air quality solutions, and the experience to help you select the right one to meet your needs.  Call (800) 890-6835 

Contaminants in Tampa area water supply

Report Reveals Contaminants Linked to Cancer in Tampa water Supplies

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Contaminants in Tampa area water supply

Federal regulations determine if drinking water is sufficient for human consumption. However, just because contaminant levels are “legal” does not necessarily mean they are safe. The current regulations are outdated. They have not been updated in 20 years, and do not match present-day scientific data indicating safe amounts of contaminants. 

 

A non-profit organization, called the Environmental Working Group, completed a comprehensive study of U.S. drinking water. Along with scientists, they analyzed water from all 50 states. Nationwide, the results were troubling, and Florida was no exception. Between 2012 and 2017 96 different contaminants were found across Florida’s water supplies. 

 

Below is a list of contaminants found in Tampa area water supplies detailed in the EWG report published in October 2019. The levels of these impurities meet federal guidelines but are above the EWG’s standards for what they consider safe. 

 

The contaminants below have been linked to an increase of cancer, and some pose risk to the thyroid and kidneys. 

City of Tampa Water Department:

  • Radium
  • Arsenic
  • Chromium
  • Nitrate
  • Total trihalomethanes

Northwest Utilities, Tampa:

  • Radium,  
  • Total trihalomethanes 

Pinellas County Utilities: 

  • Chlorate
  • Arsenic
  • Chromium 
  • Total trihalomethanes

Clearwater Water System:

  • Radium
  • Arsenic
  • Total trihalomethanes 
  • Chromium 

, New Port Richey Water Department:

  • Radium
  • Total trihalomethanes 

Hillsborough County South-Central Service Area:

  • Chromium
  • Vinyl chloride
  • Radium, 
  • Total trihalomethanes  

Northwest Utilities, Tampa:

  • Radium 
  • Total trihalomethanes
  • Chromium

Hcpud/Eastlake, Tampa: 

  • Nitrate
  • Radium 
  • Total trihalomethane 
  • Arsenic

University of South Florida, Tampa: 

  • Uranium
  • Nitrate
  • Radium combined
  • Chromium
  • Trihalomethanes

Seaboard Utilities, Tampa: 

  • Chromium
  • Total trihalomethanes

Pinellas Park Water Department:

  • Arsenic
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium
  • Total trihalomethanes

City of St. Petersburg, Odessa:

  • Arsenic
  • Chromium
  • Total trihalomethanes

 

Remove Contaminants from your Tampa Drinking Water 

The first question people have after reviewing this report is, “How can I remove these materials from my water?” The EWG recommends using a reverse-osmosis filtration system. The list above is a small sample of the FL water systems included in the study. If you do not see your area listed above, visit the EWG tap water database and search by zip code to find the results of your water supply. 

Talk to Elected Officials 

Water filters are the first line of defense. However, the root of the problem is with the water supply its self. Make your local elected officials aware of your concerns. Ask them why the contaminants are present, and how the water is treated. What is being done to protect the source water, and are they investing in advanced water treatment technology? We need to bring these issues to the decision makers in order for things to improve.

We Can Help 

If you find your water department has high levels of a specific substance; Our water professionals can determine which filter will best remove that contaminant. We have a wide variety of waterquality solutions. We are dedicated to helping Tampa Bay residents receive healthy, safe drinking water.  

Contact Healthy Home  today at  (800) 890-6835

glass of Tampa tap water

Is Tampa Tap Water Safe?

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glass of Tampa tap water

Is Tampa Tap Water Safe?

There is increasing concern about the quality of tap water in the United States. The EPA has clear guidelines about the water provided to citizens. It is the municipal water company’s responsibility to ensure our water is suitable. We put a lot of faith in these entities, so it’s important to understand exactly what they consider “safe” and how we can determine for ourselves if the tap water in Tampa is safe. 

Problems with Tap Water 

 

Reuse 

10% of tap water has already been used. This may not seem like a lot, but when you are consuming it, this fact is alarming. Recycled water contains a number of chemicals and toxins. Keep this in mind the next time you go to the sink for a glass of water. 

 

Chlorine 

The water companies must treat and disinfect all tap water. The primary chemical used in this process is Chlorine. So, there are large amounts of chlorine present in our drinking water. The EPA allows for chlorine levels high enough to maintain a swimming pool. 

 

Lead 

You can’t see, smell, or taste lead when it is present in water. The most common cause of this type of contamination is lead pipes. Exposure to lead is very dangerous, especially for young children. 

 

Insufficient Filtration 

The water plant does its best to filter out harmful bacteria and chemicals. Nevertheless, it is simply too large of a task to properly handle. Consumers leave themselves open to danger when they do not properly filter their own water. Invest in a quality water filter to give your family the safe drinking water they deserve. 

 

Look for Contaminants 

Your senses are great tools to detect contaminated water. While many toxins are not obvious, some are quite conspicuous. Ideally, water should be clear with no particular taste or odor. If your water is cloudy, has a sharp chemical taste, or smells strange, it may very well be contaminated. 

 

Water Testing 

Fill a glass of water and let it sit for a few minutes. If it is completely clear from top to bottom, then any previous cloudiness was probably just air bubbles. However, if it remains opaque, especially at the bottom, this is a sign of a problem. Because many contaminants are impossible to detect with the human senses it is recommended to have a professional water evaluation. 

 

The Water Crisis in America 

The news is full of stories about contaminated water and the awful consequences it carries. We don’t need to look any further than Flint, Michigan to see how poor water quality can devastate a community. When this type of gross negligence occurs, the public is typically notified long after the damage has been done.  In 2015, North Carolina residents discovered high levels of toxic heavy metals in the majority of wells near Coal Ash Pond. Sadly, they dealt with these problems for over a year, which caused a disproportionate number of brain cancer and tumor cases in the region. While some heavy metals cause your water to taste metallic, others may not leave any obvious traces. 

 

Tampa Water Safety Solutions 

The best way to maintain safe Tampa tap water is to choose a quality filtration system. Here at Healthy Homes Tampa, we provide a wide range of solutions to fit everyone’s needs. Contact us today to speak with one of our water quality professionals. Call 800-890-6835