Improve indoor air quality

Posted by admin on May 5, 2009

There are many sources of indoor air pollution:
pets, tobacco smoke, dust mites, food smells, cleaners, furniture or cabinets made of pressed wood products, damp carpets, pesticides, hobby supplies, mold, off gassing from carpets/paint/furniture…the list goes on.

Learn about the dangers of home air fresheners and what you can use instead of the commercially chemically made ones.

Below are some ways you can improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Open the windows - get some fresh air into your house. Ventilation can greatly improve indoor air quality.

Change your furnace/AC air filter monthly. Filters trap all kinds of ’stuff’, so you want to change those monthly.

Don’t use chemical air fresheners. Most air fresheners are laden with chemicals. Consider purchasing natural tubs of carbon or Soi Candles instead.

Use non-toxic home cleaners. More and more people are coming to realize that standard home cleaning supplies contain many chemicals which are dangerous to breathe or touch.

24 oz Scented All Purpose Cleaner - $ 6.99
From: Seaside Naturals, Inc.

Consider getting rid of your carpets- or get natural carpets. Carpeting can be one of the biggest air-quality culprits in your home: most carpets are treated with chemicals that off-gas and carpets act as traps for dirt, allergens, mold and other nasty items. If you can stand to part with your carpet, it will improve your air quality. If you must have carpet, consider a natural area rug.

Consider getting a room air filters or purifier for your home. A HEPA filter can seriously reduce the presence of toxins, allergens, and particulate matter in your home.

Limit or remove vinyls from your home. Did you know that your vinyl shower curtain is releasing toxic gas? Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been found to discharge softening chemicals called phthalates into home air, increasing respiratory problems.

If you’re doing any painting or staining, be sure to use no- or low-VOC paints and finishes. Volatile organic compounds are found in most traditional paints and their off-gassing can be dangerous for your family.

Fix any roof leaks. Rain and high humidity can bring moisture indoors, creating dampness, mold and mildew. Dampness alone, not just mold, is associated with higher risk of wheezing, coughing & asthma symptoms.
Check your roof, foundation and basement or crawlspace once a year to catch leaks or moisture problems and route water away from your home’s foundation. Fix problems as quickly as possible to prevent unhealthy dampness from entering your home.

strong>Make your home a smoke-free zone. Besides being a health issue to the person smoking and anyone around them, it adds to your indoor air pollution.