Easy Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality can often be worse than outdoor air quality. While we may seem more aware of outdoor air quality due to shifts in temperature, smog, ozone, etc., we are often desensitized to the indoor air quality of our own homes and offices since this is where we spend much of our time and we’re used to it. Being aware of your indoor air quality is a very important step in preventing indoor air pollution released from cooking fumes, chemicals in cleaning products, dust and dander, radon, mold, and others.
Here are some tips to improve indoor air quality in your home which will provide allergy relief and asthma relief for those who suffer from these afflictions. These tips were inspired by an article at WebMD.
Keep it natural. Any cleaning chemical you use in your home is bound to end up in your home air. Turn to natural cleaners like lemons and baking soda or use environmentally friendly detergents and cleansers.
Get Rid of Dust. Whether you have carpets, tiles, or hardwood floors, it’s very important to keep dust to a minimum. Dust is composed of so many potential irritants like pet dander, dead skin, chemical matter, lead (if the home has or had lead paint), that it is critical to mop, vacuum and/or sweep often.
Monitor your home’s level of humidity. Prevent mold by keeping your house at between 30-50%. This can be achieved by using a dehumidifier or an air conditioner combined with proper ventilation.
Test your home for radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The US EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon with a home radon test kit. If radon gas is found to be present in the home at unsafe levels, a radon remediation system including a radon fan should be installed immediately.
We do many of these things all the time to keep our home’s appearance clean; but, with a little extra attention and effort, you can improve your indoor air quality and protect your family’s health.
