We are all spending much more time in our homes right now, so it makes sense that we want to think that the air we are breathing indoors is as clean as possible. But that may not be the case.
While air pollution has been a significant concern, what many do not realize is that indoor air is a much bigger problem for our health than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution is usually caused by a build-up of dust, dirt, mold, humidity, and other allergens.
To make it worse, our zeal to ensure that our homes are more energy efficient has led to the creation of spaces that are so sealed. This can lead to a build-up of fumes and other biological irritants such as dust mites and molds.
The good news is that you do not have to spend a lot of money to clean your indoor air once and for all. You can address most of these problems by using low-cost solutions such as proper ventilation.
Why Clean Air Indoors is So Important
Breathing quality indoor air is very important especially if you want to have good health. Most people spend a significant amount of their time indoors either in the office or at home where chemical gases and other pollutants can cause headaches, allergies, eye irritation, and fatigue.
Other dangerous pollutants can even lead to some types of cancers and other serious health complications. If you are breathing clean air, you can easily prevent many health hazards. Which is very comforting right now in the middle of a pandemic that is essentially a fierce respiratory illness.
Indoor air quality is, therefore, a significant health issue and one that’s even more important when you are spending more time indoors to help stop you getting sick. Here are some tips to help you get cleaner indoor air, even when you are in ‘lockdown’.
Open The Windows
While this is perhaps the most obvious tip, it’s still crucial when it comes to cleaning your indoor air. Practicing this habit is an excellent start because it helps to reduce the concentrations of carbon dioxide as well as other toxic chemicals.
If you are running your air conditioner, which you may be soon, that may seem counterintuitive. But occasionally cracking a window is still a good idea, especially as the blast of fresh air can help calm those feelings of claustrophobia many of use are experiencing while under the ‘stay at home’ order.
Use Air Purifiers
Using an air purifier is a great way to clean your indoor air once and for all. They work by allowing air to pass through the filters and remove small particles. Some of these are supposed to be placed in one room, so ensure that you put it where you usually spend a lot of your time. A better solution is a whole home system, such as those we can help you choose and install. These powerful systems will help ensure you are breathing the cleanest air possible and are more affordable than you might think.
Keep Air Humidity Levels Between 30 to 50%
By doing this, you will limit the presence of dust mites and the growth of mold. Some molds produce mycotoxins and allergens that can have adverse effects on your health.
These allergic reactions include a runny nose, skin conditions, eye conditions, asthma attacks among others, depending on the sensitivity of the part of the body exposed.
There is a link between the upper respiratory symptoms and exposure to mold. Therefore, you need to
- Track the humidity levels in the house.
Use a humidifier once in a while to control allergens and moisture.
Always open the windows or run a fan while cooking.
Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
To improve the quality of hair that you breathe you should stay away from synthetic fragrances from laundry products, air fresheners and perfumes. Did you know that these produce a lot of synthetic chemicals that are harmful to your health?
To avoid this, choose fragrances or products that have natural scents, like essential oils. Also, stop using sprays that products that can cause mist liquid particles such as hair fresheners and air sprays.
Remove Your Shoes at Home
Significant amounts of nasty stuff attaches to the soles of shoes as we walk around. Animal dander, pollen, feces, and harmful chemicals are some pollutants you can bring home with your shoes, which some fear, at the moment, may include COVID 19 (although that risk is very low) Remove them when you get home and wear the indoor-only shoes if possible.