Most of us spend half of our days outside exposing ourselves to the various pollutants in the air. The growing factories in our environment only increase the chemicals and pollutants that are present in the air outside.
So, after a long day’s work and the hustle and bustle of the city, you get back home with an intention to relax and de-stress yourself.
But, what if you were told that indoor air may be more polluted than the air outside?
That’s right, research suggests that indoor air that is air within your homes and even buildings could be more polluted than the air outside.1
So, if you think spending more time in your house is benefiting your health, then you might have to keep a check on the air pollutants in your home as well.
Here are a few ways that can help you purify air within your home if you haven’t been paying attention to them yet.
1. Keep The House Well Ventilated
Good ventilation is essential to protect your health and your home. Make it a point to open all the windows allowing air from outside to enter the home at the same time allowing the air inside to exit the rooms and halls.
Unpleasant odors, irritating pollutants, harmful gases like carbon monoxide, molds, etc. can be reduced in a properly ventilated home.2
Spot ventilation that uses exhaust fans to draw moisture and pollutants from the air is a good idea to consider for proper ventilation. This type of system is particularly important in areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
2. Keep Fresh Plant Pots Indoors
Plants are the primary sources of oxygen for the planet. If the planet needs them, so does your home. So, keep fresh plants indoors to purify the air you breathe.
There are chemicals in our homes, too. For instance, the paint on your walls are made up of several chemicals and it can be emitted into the air you breathe, clinging to the materials like the drapes and carpets.
Keeping plants indoors can get rid of the impurities present in the air and can provide clean air for breathing indoors.3
Most indoor plants can be easily maintained with regular watering and enough exposure to sunlight. Some easy maintenance indoor plants include peace lily, snake plant, bamboo palm, money plant, etc.
Some indoor plants may be harmful to pets, so if you have pets at home, you may want to consider keeping those plants that do not pose a threat to their health as well.4
3. Purchase A Good Quality Air Purifier
As the name suggests, air purifiers purify the air indoors. These devices can remove airborne contaminants that can cause allergies and long-term respiratory conditions like asthma.
Most of the air purifiers are designed to be used in just one room. The best way to use the unit is to place it in the room that you use the most or that part of the house that requires the air to be purified like the kitchen or the children’s room.5
4. Avoid Using Carpets Whenever Possible
It is recommended to avoid installing wall-to-wall carpeting in areas where moisture can be a potential problem like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, or other damp areas.
If you or a family member have upper respiratory allergies or are sensitive to dust mites and pet dander, it may be best to avoid carpets as hard-surface floors are easier to clean.Small area rugs can be helpful provided they are cleaned regularly.6
If carpets cannot be avoided, make sure to use a vacuum cleaner that has High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. If the carpets are worn out or heavily soiled with dust and dirt from shoes, replace them.
So, with these simple steps, you can ensure a healthy living for yourself and others who spend time at home.
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