Cleaner air for you and your family

MOST of us spend about 90% of our time indoors so it makes sense to invest in an air purifier or filter.

However, getting significantly cleaner, healthier air in your home does not necessarily have to come from making big changes or even spending any money.

Here are some tips for cleaner air at home.

Air out your home regularly Airing out the house involves a five- to 10-minute purge of the air in your home by opening the front and back doors and letting in the fresh air from outdoors.

Apartment dwellers can open up windows on opposite sides of the apartment. You can just open one window or door, but opening two will create an airflow and change the air efficiently. It is amazing how much fresher and better your home smells when you regularly air it out.

Use toxin-free, natural cleaning products

Many “cleaners” include chemicals that release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into your indoor air.

In most homes, VOCs are two to five times higher than outdoor air, and can be up to 25 times higher in cabinets where cleaning products are kept. In the short-term, VOCs can make asthma worse, irritate the eyes and throat, and can cause headaches and dizziness.

Long-term effects include liver and kidney damage, and VOCs are considered carcinogens. Switch to natural brands especially for cleaning products that you use regularly, like countertop sprays and bathroom scrubs. Or make your own and save money too.

Get a couple of easy-care plants

There are a host of plants that not only spruce up a room, but also pull toxins from the air. From spider plants to aloe, here is a list of 15, all of which require little care: www.mnn.com/health/ healthy-spaces/stories/15-houseplants-to-improve-indoor-air-quality

Clean your pet’s bed

Pet hair and dander can add allergens and particulates, including dust, to your indoor air. If you have an animal that goes outside and comes in with wet fur or paws, their bed might be a bit mouldy too.

Be sure to regularly wash your pet beds to keep the flying fur to a minimum. — Tribune News Service