Many people are unaware of indoor air pollution. People think that just because they’re indoors, they’re safe from pollution. Well, think again. Indoor air pollution is one of the leading causes of premature deaths, especially in the developing world. Several things cause it. Pollution from outside may be brought inside and gets trapped there.
The smoke from cooking food can also add to your home’s air pollution. Pet dander, dust, cigarette ashes, or the fireplace are common causes of indoor air pollution. If you want to be sure how much air pollution you have at home, you can purchase an air quality monitor or air quality test kit.
But, if you’re always getting allergies or getting sick, even if you’re just at home. Chances are you have indoor air pollution and bad indoor air quality. If you want to have better air quality at home. Here are simple ways to improve your IAQ:
Get your air ducts cleaned
People often overlook the cleanliness of their air ducts. In case you didn’t know, your air ducts can get dirty real fast. And it can be a major cause of indoor air pollution. For better indoor air quality, hire a professional air duct cleaning service to do the job for you.
Install more vents for proper ventilation
Release the possible air pollution trapped in your homes by having proper ventilation. Areas such as the bathroom, laundry area, and kitchen all need proper ventilation. If you don’t have air vents installed in those areas, make sure to get some installed. Or at least have a window open when cooking, taking a bath, or doing the laundry.
Don’t smoke
If you’re a smoker, a quick and easy way to improve your IAQ is to quit smoking.
Vacuum more often
The best way to eliminate dust bunnies, pet dander, and other pollutants is by vacuuming more often. Vacuums with HEPA filters are the best kinds. These filters can trap any airborne particle such as mold, pollen, or bacteria, as small as 0.3 microns. That size is invisible to the naked eye. So any particles that are that small are sure to be rid of.
Replace chemical cleaning products with natural ones
Instead of using cleaning products that are full of chemicals. Opt for mild cleaning products that use natural ingredients. There are plenty of organic cleaning products on the market. But if you want to save up on cash, you can always use the old lemon and baking soda combination. That’ll also do the trick.
Choose the right furniture
Make sure to buy furniture that flame-retardant-free, low VOC or no VOC, and have no chemical dyes and additives.
Have more plants in your home
Back in 1989, NASA conducted a study on how plants improve air quality. The study showed that plants could remove organic chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. These chemicals are the ones most often found in households. So if you want something to liven up your home and improve your IAQ at the same time, plants are the solution.
There are plenty of plants that are a breeze to take care of. Snake plants, succulents and cacti, and ZZ plants are some of the easiest plants to take care of. Don’t worry about not having a green thumb. You only need to water these plants once a week, and they’ll be fine.
One thing the pandemic should’ve taught you is that health should always be our number one priority. Improving your IAQ will also improve your health. If you want your family to be healthier, all it takes are these seven simple ways to do so.
