Common Indoor Air Quality Problems in Home Gyms
Home gyms are usually located in an unused area in a garage or basement. This has led to a few indoor air quality issues often occurring. Here is what you need to know to improve your home gym’s air quality.
Mold and Fungus
Garages and basements often have mold and fungus issues. This can lead to infections and headaches, among other health problems. If you can smell a distinct dank odor, you probably have mold and fungus growing in your home gym area. If it is just confined to one space, use soap and water to kill it. If there is more than that, you will need to call in a professional to clean up the problem. Afterward, make sure your garage or basement is well-ventilated and has lower humidity to deter mold and fungus from growing.
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCS are released from home improvement products like paints, varnishes, and cleaning supplies. People often store these types of products in their garage or basement. Exposure to VOCS can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. You should store home improvement products in a well-ventilated area and make sure they are either sealed or their caps are on tight.
Gas Fumes
Homeowners usually store gas for their lawnmower, trimmer, and other gas-fueled equipment in their garage. It is very unsafe to work out in the same area you store gas, as breathing in these fumes has been directly linked to cancer, blood disorders, and other serious health issues. If you do not have a shed or other place to store gas, air out your garage for at least an hour before you work out in it.
Radon
Radon is released from decaying uranium. It naturally occurs everywhere and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. You can buy a radon detection kit at home improvement stores. If your home gym is in your basement, buy a kit and test the air in it just to be safe. You can buy a system to eliminate unsafe radon buildup in your home gym. It is for the best to have a professional install this system for you.
Vermin and Pests
When you work out in your basement or garage, you will need to coexist with bugs. Some of them are a health issue. Cockroaches often carry salmonella, and roaches and dust mites cause respiratory problems. Even worse is having vermin like mice or rats in the same area as your home gym since they bring in disease and excrement. You need to eliminate vermin and pests from your house. Once they are gone, install a dehumidifier. Low humidity discourages these critters from living indoors.
Dust and Allergens
You breathe hard when working out, which is really no fun in the middle of allergy season. You should clean your home gym regularly to eliminate dust and allergens. An air purifier also helps since it traps dust and allergens, making your air healthier.
Final Tips
You need fresh air in the area in which you work out. Air out your home gym throughout the year. This is easier to do in the summer, but it is very important throughout the year. If your gym is in your garage, open the garage doors when working out. If it is in your basement, make sure your HVAC system is treating the air.
You should not use air fresheners or harsh cleaning products in your home gym. Plug-in air fresheners, for instance, have been shown to release around 20 VOCs on average. Several of these are even regulated as toxic under United States federal laws. You should use mild cleaners that do not contain fragrances. Additionally, do not use aerosol sprays to freshen your home gym equipment.
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