All of us want to live in an environment that is clean and healthy. Indoor air pollution is often as bad, and sometimes even worse than outdoor air pollution.
Allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases can be aggravated or caused by poor air quality.
There are many steps you can do to improve air quality at home.
Keep Your Home Clean
In your home, dust, pet dander and other pollutants can build up and cause poor air quality. Regular cleaning will help reduce these pollutants, and keep the air in your home clean.
Wash bedding and curtains often, vacuum your carpets, and dust all surfaces. Change the vacuum bag or the filter on a regular basis. A full bag or filter will reduce the effectiveness of your vacuum cleaner.
Keep your home free of clutter, since messes can trap pollutants and dust.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can be an effective tool to eliminate pollutants from your home’s air. Air purifiers work by forcing air through a filtration system that captures pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen.
Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter that can remove particles down to 0.3 microns.
Place your air purifier in the room you spend most of your time in, like the bedroom or the living room.
Maintain Your HVAC System
The HVAC system in your home is crucial to maintaining a good indoor air quality.
Change your air filter frequently, as a dirty one can cause your system to be less efficient and circulate pollutants in your home.
You should also have your HVAC system checked annually to make sure it is working correctly.
Keep humidity levels in check
High humidity can cause respiratory problems due to mold growth.
In general, it is recommended that the level of humidity in your home or workspaces be between 30-50% .
In damp areas such as bathrooms and basements, you may need to use dehumidifiers. You can use exhaust fans when cooking or taking a shower to remove moisture.
Avoid Strong Fragrances
Strong scents can cause irritation to the respiratory system, worsening allergies and asthma.
Avoid using air fresheners and other products with strong scents in your home. Open some windows and door to let fresh air circulate if you use scented products.
Avoid VOC Products
Volatile organic compound (VOCs), also known as volatile organic compounds, are common chemicals found in household products such as paints, cleaners and furniture. These chemicals can cause poor indoor air and even harm your health.
To reduce your exposure, choose products that are low in VOCs or do not contain VOCs.
Bring in Plants
Indoor plants are a great way to improve your home’s air quality by removing VOCs and harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. These pollutants are absorbed by the plants through their stems, leaves and roots. They are then broken down to release oxygen.
The oxygen is then recirculated into the air to provide cleaner and fresher air.