Air pollution is a big problem for many citizens throughout the world, and in densely populated cities, it’s even worse. Air pollution isn’t just a problem for the environment outside our homes though, it can be a big problem inside them, too.
To help you tackle air pollution at home and give yourself cleaner air to breathe, it’s important to understand what can contribute to air pollution; here are just a few common indoor air pollutants:
- Radon – this can make its way into your home from the ground beneath it
- Cigarette smoke – if you smoke inside, you don’t only have to be concerned about the unpleasant smell, but about the dangerous chemicals in tobacco, too
- Bio air pollution – this can include mold, mildew, viruses, fungi, bacteria, etc
- Formaldehyde – this is often used in the production of certain types of upholstery and wood furniture, carpeting and floors.
- CO Carbon Monoxide – typically emitted from cooking and heating appliances that rely on wood, gas, coal or oil.
- NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide – the mostcommon sources of this potentially harmful pollutant are fireplaces, cookers or water heaters that use gas.
- Others – such as pet hair and dander, human hair, dust etc
While many indoor air pollutants can aggravate or exacerbate symptoms of allergies and other respiratory illnesses, you don’t have to an asthma or allergy sufferer to want to take measures to reduce indoor air pollutants and protect all inhabitants of your home from their threat. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a scientist to do so, and here is a quick guide to eliminating air pollutants from your home:
Clean filters and vents
It’s best to hire a professional HVAC duct cleaning for this, and it should be done at least once a year, and more often if you have pets or anything else that might raise the levels of air pollutants in your home. The technicians may recommend that you replace the filters to ensure they’re performing at their optimum, and they will sanitize the entire system for you.
Switch to non-toxic cleaning supplies
Many harsh chemicals used in cleaning products can also aggravate allergy symptoms and respiratory conditions, along with being harmful to the environment. With this in mind, wherever possible, try to use eco-friendly, natural cleaning products to help contribute in a positive way to the air quality inside your home.
Have houseplants
Placing a few plants in every room of your home can help immensely with controlling the levels of pollutants in the air, and better yet, their soothing colors will de-stress you, too. Simply choose some plants that are designed to be grown indoors and follow the instructions on how to keep them healthy, then, sit back and let nature do its thing!
Let fresh air in, and keep bad air out
It can be helpful to ventilate your home at least once a day by opening the windows, but be mindful of the outside air conditions when you do this, and only do it for 10 to 15 minutes a day. If it’s blowing up a storm outside, opening your windows will only allow debris, dust and other pollutants to be blown inside, and all your efforts to maintain good air quality inside, will be wasted.
If you smoke, be sure to do it outside and away from any open windows or doors.
Air quality is a serious thing that can have a negative impact on our overall health, and cleaning your home regularly is another failsafe way to eradicate as many noxious pollutants as possible, and keep the air smelling sweet.
