From Guest Blogger Bobbi Peterson: How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
We usually think of air pollution as a problem that occurs outdoors where power plants, factories and vehicles spew contaminants into the atmosphere. While air pollution is certainly a huge issue outside in the natural environment, it can also be a problem inside. In fact, pollution levels inside are often two to five times worse than they are outside.
It’s crucial for our health that we reduce the amount of pollution in our indoor environments — especially since Americans typically spend around 90 percent of their time inside. Here are seven ways you can clean up the air inside your spaces.
1. Keep Your Home Clean
Keeping your living space clean can help get rid of any pollutants that make their way into your home. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent contaminants from accumulating, and take your shoes off at the door to avoid tracking things inside.
It’s important you employ the right cleaning supplies, too. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and strong suction, so you don’t accidentally release stuff back into your air. Mopping with plain water and dusting with a microfiber cloth can also help.
When cleaning, opt for natural cleaners rather than those with artificial fragrances. If it just says “fragrance” on the label, it could be artificial and may even be toxic. Use non-scented products or those with natural fragrances instead. You could even opt for using simple households items like baking soda and lemon.
2. Improve Your House’s Ventilation
Improving your home’s ventilation can help your indoor air quality, unless, of course, you live in a highly polluted area. Chances are, though, that opening up your windows when the weather allows it will help clean up your air a bit.
You could also use an HVAC system that brings in outdoor air, open the vent on air conditioners and use fans installed in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s especially important to use these methods if you do something that could release toxins, such as painting or cleaning using chemicals.
3. Control Humidity Levels in Your Home
Mold and dust mites thrive in high-humidity conditions. Keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent to keep them at a minimum.
You can use a dehumidifier, and an air conditioner during summer months, to decrease humidity and reduce allergen levels. You can also:
- Run the exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom when you use water
- Fix leaks
- Avoid overwatering houseplants
4. Get More Houseplants
Speaking of houseplants, you might consider bringing in more to improve your indoor air quality. They remove pollutants from the air, increase oxygen levels and act as natural air filters.
NASA suggests placing at least one houseplant every 100 square feet. The space agency knows this because it conducted a study in which it found houseplants could improve air quality in the sealed quarters where astronauts spend their time on missions. Just make sure you choose plants that are safe for pets, if you have them.
5. Eliminate Sources of Pollution
A perhaps obvious way to reduce pollution levels is by eliminating the sources of those pollutants. Not smoking inside is a big one. You should also opt for natural products whenever possible. If you’re aware of something that contains asbestos or another toxin, have it sealed off. If you have a gas stove, you can upgrade or adjust it to reduce the amount of emissions it creates.
6. Test Your Home for Radon
If you’ve never tested for radon, you might want to do so. It can impact both old and new houses. Luckily, testing is fairly quick and easy, and fixing the issue is not too expensive.
If you don’t test for it, though, you won’t know if you’re being exposed to radon. If you are, that’s a serious issue. Radon causes 12 percent of deaths from lung cancer in the United States.
7. Try an Air Cleaner
If you still have air quality problems or just want a quick and easy solution, you could try an air cleaner. There are many different kinds of these devices available, from small tabletop models to whole-house systems.
Air quality is an important issue — both outdoors and in. Happily, there are steps you can take to reduce pollution levels in your home, improve your health and decrease your environmental impact.
