According tothe EPA, people spend up to 90 percent of their time inside. When you consider your routines, you realize quickly that this is true, as people's days include working inside a building, being inside a school, visiting a grocery store, and going home.
Unfortunately, indoor pollutants can be up to five times higher than outdoor pollutants, which means you spend most of your time breathing in potentially hazardous air. However, you can take steps to limit your exposure. Learn below how you can improve your indoor air quality and why these steps are so important.
Factors and Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
A home's air quality can be impacted by many different things, including but not limited to pet dander, mold, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, carbon monoxide, smoke, and dust.
Such components can lead to several issues, which include heart problems, asthma, allergies, childhood pneumonia, COPD, lung cancer, low birth weight, stroke, vision problems, and poor cognitive function. Improving air quality is critical to living comfortably and keeping your family healthy.
There are several steps you can take to achieve cleaner air in your home, all of which are fairly easy to accomplish.
1. Let In the Fresh Air
One of the simplest steps you can take is to open your windows and let the fresh air in. Do this for just a few minutes a day, even in the winter. However, be sure you keep your windows closed when the pollen count is high.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
Dust, pet dander, items that cause bad odors, and similar issues are common culprits for negatively impacting air quality. Developing a regular cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming routine is crucial. Be sure to dust with a damp cloth, however, so as to not spread the dust around. Don't overlook regularly washing and cleaning furniture, curtains, and bedding.
3. Change Your Products
Before you begin your new cleaning routine, take a look at your current products. Many contain VOCs, such as bleach, cleaning sprays, and even some dish and laundry detergent. Toss these and go for safer alternatives and natural cleaners.
4. Keep Your HVAC System Maintained
Dust, mold, pest infestations, and more can build up in your vents and ducts. Unfortunately, these all get sent out with the heat and air they provide. Regular professional duct cleanings can keep these issues at bay. It's also important to keep your filters clean and change them regularly.
5. Add a Dehumidifier
Humidity levels above 50 percent can lead to mold growth. In some cases, simply opening your window can help regulate these levels, but you might also need to use a dehumidifier.
6. Keep the Smoke Out
Smoke is hazardous to air quality and breathing. While this does apply to cigarette and cigar smoke, it also applies to smoke from fireplaces and other elements. It's best to keep the smoke outdoors at all times.
Keep Your Air and Home Healthy
Everything you breathe in impacts your general health and well-being. The steps shared above can help you reduce this impact to protect your home, yourself, and all your loved ones.
