According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, most Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. However, the air indoors can have up to five times more pollutants in comparison to the air outdoors. Of course, the former can be a great health hazard. The good news is it is not exactly difficult to improve indoor air quality. Here are some simple ways to achieve that goal.
Clean Dehumidifiers and Air Conditioners
Most houses in the US have air conditioners and dehumidifies. Over time, dust particles and other air contaminants will clog them and consequently compromise the quality of air you breathe. For adults and children allergic to dust, fresh air indoors can make a huge difference. Hire a professional HVAC technician to clean your air conditioners and humidifiers regularly.
Ventilate
During the summer, it is wise to open the windows to let fresh air circulate in your home. This will also help control humidity. Take note high levels of humidity tend to encourage mold growth as well as increase dampness. Once again, this can cause health problems such as wheezing and asthma attacks. To be on the safe side, keep the level of humidity inside your home between 30 and 50%.
Keep your Home Clean
Dust, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites can accumulate indoors on the surface of carpets and household furniture. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to keep your carpets and floors clean at all times. After that, use a mop to clear any dust particles that your vacuum machine might have left behind.
Do not Smoke Indoors
Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals according to the CDC. Out of these, 70 can cause cancer as well as reduce the quality of air indoors. If you have to smoke, do so outdoors. It is advisable to install air cleaners to get rid of chemical pollutants that might their way into your home. Other ways of minimizing the number of chemical pollutants indoors is by avoiding the use of solvent-based cleaners, wood burning stoves that produce carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as never disturbing asbestos.
All said, whether you spend most of your time at home or at work, the quality of air you breathe can make the difference between good and ill health. Some of the steps that you can take to improve it include keeping your home clean, installing ventilators, and smoking outdoors.