Improving Indoor Air Quality

We spend a lot of our time in our homes.  Eating…sleeping…working…relaxing.  So if the air quality in your home is poor, it can negatively impact your comfort and health.  What’s more, if the air quality is poor, you can’t see it, you can’t hear it, and you usually can’t smell it.  But that does not mean your air is not being impaired by, formaldehyde, radon, and chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners.  Mold and pet dander can also cause a decline in air quality.  Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve air quality.
 

1. Don’t smoke indoors.  Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals and many people believe it is the primary culprit responsible for poor indoor air quality.  Second hand smoke also increases a child’s risk of developing ear and respiratory infections, asthma, cancer and sudden infant death syndrome.
2. Put a mat at every door to minimize the dust, pesticides and other pollutants people track in.
3. Keep your floors clean by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.  This will reduce the amount of toxins and allergens.  After you are done vacuuming, run a mop over the floor to pick up any remaining dust.  Then use plain water to soak up what is left.
4. Keep humidity at 30% to 50% to keep dust mites, mold and other allergens under control.  Consider investing in a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
5. You can also help dehumidify your house by using an exhaust fan or cracking open a window when cooking, running the dishwasher or bathing.  You should also vent the clothes dryer to the outside.
6. Test for radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer.  It generally enters your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. 
7. The final suggestions deal with scents.  Conventional laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets and air fresheners all emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are harmful chemicals.  You can avoid these by:
   • Purchasing fragrance-free or naturally scented laundry products.
     
   • Using cleaners that do not have artificial fragrances.
     
   • Not using aerosol sprays.
   • Opening windows to let fresh air in.
   • Using sliced lemons and baking soda for a fresh smelling kitchen.
   • Bring plants indoors.  Not only will they make the room look nicer, but they absorb chemical pollutants.