A home is a safe place for everyone. It is a sanctuary where every member is safe from the dangers outside. However, staying indoors can also be unhealthy when it comes to pollution. Indoor air pollution is an imminent issue across society. It puts your respiratory health at risk and causes several diseases. However, there are different ways to purify air in homes:
1 – Adding indoor plants
Plants are nature’s best warriors to fight off pollutants in the air. Houseplants naturally filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Apart from this benefit, houseplants tend to relieve you of your stress. So, placing houseplants in different parts of the house will result in better indoor air quality. However, avoid buying plants that have spores or pollen. These tiny particles tend to pollute the air too and can irritate your lung tissues.
2 – Groom your pets
If ever you have a pet in your home, then regularly grooming can improve the air quality. Pet dander and fur can irritate your respiratory system, which in turn, causes asthma and other respiratory diseases.
3 – Activated carbon
Activated charcoal or carbon is used to purify the air too. They naturally do it by absorbing toxins. Additionally, they do not emit any foul odor. Typically, they are placed in bathrooms and living rooms, or places where any foul odor is noticeable.
4 – Remove the source of the pollution
There are so many things that can pollute the air. Your elegant painted walls may be the source of your problem. If the paint you used has a high level of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), then it is better to scrape it off. VOCs tend to lower your indoor air quality. Next time, choose paints or textiles that are labeled “low VOC” or “no VOC” to avoid products that release toxic chemicals in the air.
5 – Prohibit smoking indoors
Prevention is always better than cure. So, banning cigarettes or tobacco in your home will help you create healthy indoor air. Smoking typically releases harmful fumes and solid particles in the air that endanger the air indoors.
6 – Provide regular ventilation
Opening your windows, even for at least 5 minutes a day, can help purify the air indoors. Shutting off the windows for a long time causes the accumulation of pollutants. By opening your windows, the air is circulated and accumulated pollutants will effectively decrease.
7 – Avoid synthetic air fresheners
Before spraying your air freshener for the nth time, think twice. Scented air fresheners only worsen the air quality. According to a study published in 2016, around $340 billion is spent on medical expenses caused by these sprays. Beeswax candles or essential oils are safer alternatives to these dangerous air fresheners.
8 – Install an HVAC
HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioning) systems are efficient air purifiers. They pull out the air indoors then release a cool, cleaner air, which is a process called circulation. This filter is great for trapping dust, pollen, and solid particles in the air. Just remember to change the filter regularly so that it will remain effective for a longer time.
There are hundreds of reasons that can make your indoor air toxic. However, there are also thousands of solutions to counter this problem. Making efforts to improve indoor air quality is important. These simple steps will protect you and your family from developing respiratory diseases. Always remember that healthy air results in a healthier family.