Thanks to modern day appliances, cleaners and chemicals, air pollution is no longer just an outside problem. In fact, according to the EPA, the air in some homes can be two to three times more polluted than the air outside them. Considering that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, this can be a real problem.
Not only are people spending more time indoors, but today's homes are more weatherproof than ever. Unlike homes of generations past, today's homes trap chemicals inside of them to form a chemical cocktail that people breathe on a daily basis.
Common chemicals found in homes include formaldehyde, fire-retardants and volatile chemicals that come from conventional cleaners. Most homes also contain lead dust, dust mites, radon, pollen, pet dander and pesticides, all of which can make a person very sick in high doses. While some people are lucky enough to be relatively unaffected, others suffer from allergies, asthma and other illnesses and ailments as the result of poor indoor air quality.
If you or your family has been feeling under the weather lately and you are wondering if indoor air pollution is to blame, there are several steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality and breathe easier.
Use a Rug in Your Home's Entryway
An entryway rug will help catch some of the dirt and pesticides that enter on your feet and those of your house guests. Be sure to toss it in the wash every so often.
Leave Your Shoes by the Door
Avoiding tracking dirt and pesticides throughout your house by leaving your shoes by the door. While a rug can catch some dirt, most of it will likely end up in your carpets and eventually in your air.
Dust, Sweep and Mop Frequently
Dust, sweep and mop to remove dirt and pollutants from your surfaces. Use a microfiber rag, a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a mop that sprays as you go so you remove the pollutants instead of just pushing the around.
Change Filters
Air filters are great at removing allergens from your air, but only when they are relatively clean and free from clumps and clogs. Knock the dirt off of them and into the trashcan frequently and replace them before they become totally worn out.
Fix Leaks
Areas with water leaks make the perfect home for mold and other types of bacteria to grow. Fix leaks in your plumbing, roof or foundation immediately before the water has a chance to do any major damage.
Use Drip Pans
When the cold air coming from a window air conditioning unit meets the warm air surrounding it, condensation can form on the unit. Use a drip pan to catch this condensation and dispose of it regularly so it doesn't pool and grow bacteria.
Use Exhaust Fans
Standing water caused by leaks is not the only place where mold thrives; mold loves any warm humid climate. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom when showering to avoid any excess humidity.
Vent Fireplaces to the Outside
If your fireplace is not properly vented to the outside or if the vent is partially or completely blocked, the smoke will have no place to go but inside your house.
Do Not Smoke in Your House
When you smoke in your house you release hundreds of harmful chemicals into your air, including hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, arsenic and formaldehyde. Quit smoking altogether or at least go outside.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is potentially fatal to people and animals. Keep it out of your home by keeping all of your fuel-burning devices in good working condition and using them according to the manufacturer's instructions. A good carbon monoxide detector will alert you right away if there is a problem.
Test for Radon
Radon is another colorless, odorless and harmful gas that can be found in your home. Produced in the soil, it enters your home through cracks in your foundation, and it can be found in granite countertops as well.
Choose Air Friendly Products
Many paints and household cleaners contain a harmful mix of chemicals that stays in your air long after you use the products. Avoid these chemicals by buying low-VOC paints and natural, fragrance-free cleaners.
Bring Plants in
Plants act as natural air fresheners without all the harmful chemicals of traditional store-bought cleaners. Make sure you the plants you buy are non-toxic if you have small children and pets in your home.
Get Rid of Bugs Naturally
Avoid using harmful bug sprays by taking preventative measures before bugs arrive. Clean up all food messes and spills immediately and do not leave warm, wet areas for bugs and bacteria to thrive. If bugs do invade your home, banish them with all natural solutions such as corn starch for ants or fruit traps for fruit flies.
Open Your Windows
Open your windows periodically as the weather allows to let any chemicals and smells in your home dissipate and to allow nice, fresh air to come in.