IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME
People assume that outdoor pollution from cars and factories is rampant, so we should spend more time indoors.
But it may surprise you to learn that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor levels of pollutants are often two to five times greater than outdoor pollutants – in some cases more than 100 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.
Couple that stark fact with this alarming stat: We tend to spend around 90% of our time indoors.
“Consider that poor indoor air quality can seriously affect your health, causing or worsening allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems,” says Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician. “Polluted indoor air has various sources, from everyday dust and pet dander to mold spores and harmful chemicals from cleaning products.”
Mold and mildew, often due to high humidity and plumbing leaks, can exacerbate the problem. Second-hand smoke from tobacco products is another major contributor.
Marissa Kocaman, product manager for IAQ Solutions, says achieving and maintaining good indoor air quality involves considering these and other factors that can affect it.
“The temperature you keep your home at and its relative humidity impact indoor air quality. If your air smells musty, for example, there is likely too much moisture trapped inside your home. Airborne particles, chemical odors and other external elements like newly painted surfaces or fragrances can also impact air quality, as can silent factors like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide,” she says.
“First, use HVAC filters that have a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV rating, the more effective a filter is in capturing airborne particles,” recommends Kocaman.
Next, aim to ventilate your home properly. Open doors and windows when the weather permits and turn on fans to improve ventilation.
Dust, clean, and vacuum your home regularly, too, using natural cleaning products without volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
“HEPA filters are highly efficient at trapping tiny airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander and even some bacteria and viruses. They work by drawing in air from your environment, passing it through the filter and releasing clean, purified air back into the room,” Mitchell notes.
Lastly, you can further improve the air you breathe by using effective air-purifying plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, Boston ferns, snake Lance and aloe vera – all known for removing common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia.