Though there have been a number of studies that attest to the fact that indoor air pollution does exist, the popular notion remains to be that air pollution is something that is present in outdoor environments. A lot of people also tend to think that staying indoors is effective enough in avoiding exposure to air pollution.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
The truth is, though, that the air inside homes and office buildings can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air. We all have brought in household products into our homes, and these same household products are just some of the culprits of indoor air pollution. The air inside homes may be polluted by molds, dust, fire-retardants, lead (found in house dust), mites, and bacteria, just to name a few. Even fragrances, when sprayed from a spray can, can contribute to air pollution indoors.
Fortunately, there are several ways in which we can improve the quality of air that we breathe while indoors.
Clean up diligently:
Dust, mites, molds, mildew – these are just some of the pollutants that may exist indoors. Diligently cleaning surfaces, floors, and dark corners of closets and rooms should be done regularly in order for some of these pollutants to be removed, thereby leaving cleaner air to breathe while indoors.
Ensure good ventilation:
Good ventilation is essential in every home as this allows for bad indoor air to be removed. Similarly, any cracks or leaks that can potentially introduce polluted outdoor air indoors need to be sealed up in order for proper ventilation to occur.
Ban indoor smoking:
Smoke exhaled by cigarette smokers can contain over 4,000 varied chemicals, so second-hand cigarette smoke is definitely still a health risk. Allowing a family member to smoke indoors is like giving him the freedom to add to the growing list of air pollutants that already exist in your home.
Bring nature into your home:
Certain house plants can help in eliminating toxic agents from indoor air, so it’s definitely a great idea to bring them inside your home. They act as a sort of mini-air purifier – and they can add to the ambiance in the rooms inside the home, as well.
Change your air filters regularly:
The air filters in your HVAC system work by filtering out any harmful substances from the air before it is cleaned and recirculated throughout your home. Dirty air filters are not only less effective, but they may also endanger the life span of your HVAC, so changing them regularly should definitely be a priority. When shopping for replacement air filters, be sure to choose the right size of air filters that can fit in your HVAC.
The quality of air indoors should be monitored and kept healthy in order for everyone in the family to live without any worries about breathing in polluted air. Improving indoor air quality is especially important for families who have children with asthma or any other forms of respiratory conditions.
3 Things Your Home Needs for Clean Air
When we are home, we believe many times that our air inside our home is better than what is outside. However, there are many things in a home that can contribute to poor air quality, including the very products used to make your home. Dirty air in your home can be caused by dust, mold, pollen, carbon monoxide, other chemicals, humidity, and temperature. There are various symptoms associated with poor air quality. The most notable are headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, and allergies. Homeowners should have several items in their home to help in improving indoor air quality.
Control Air Quality:
Indoor air quality can be improved with houseplants and air cleaning devices, such as air purifiers and ventilators. Ventilators and air purifiers work differently from one another. The latter reduces pollen, mold, dust, and other pollutants by capturing and permanently removing them. Some air purifier units can be placed directly on HVAC systems while others are sold as standalone devices.
Ventilators help get rid of the stale air in your home by bringing in fresh air from outside, eliminating toxins that build up from indoor contaminants. Areas of your home which need ventilation are your kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Ventilators can also reduce your heating bills as they are designed to lessen with energy loss.
Houseplants, such as mums, ficus, and Boston ferns, work by absorbing toxins from the air. The microorganisms in the soil also help contribute to the cleaning process. The more houseplants you have in your home, then the cleaner the air quality will be as well. However, you need to monitor the soil as mold can develop if it has been saturated with water.
Monitor Air Quality:
When it comes to monitoring the air in your home, carbon monoxide and radon detectors can alert you when levels become hazardous. In addition to physical products you can purchase, there are apps available for your phone to help you monitor levels even when you are away. Some work with your camera or through Bluetooth communication. Each app varies by what it examines; however, some have the capability of monitoring temperature, humidity, contaminants, and gases such as radon and carbon monoxide.
Maintain a Healthy Home:
Establishing good air quality in your home can be as simple as using products that contain low volatile organic chemicals (VOC) to clean and maintain it. Fix leaks in the roof and keep the house clean of pests can cut back on allergic responses to mold, dust, dander, and pollen. Keep a well-ventilated home can help many health issues related to poor indoor air quality.
We spend the majority of our lives inside, so it makes sense to create a healthy living environment for you and your loved ones. Consider purchasing items that will help control and monitor your home’s indoor air quality. By following these ideas, you can help develop and maintain good air quality for your home.