While most of think of smog or other outdoor contaminants when we hear the word pollution, sometimes the problem can also be lurking indoors. There are all kinds of harmful pollutants that can be found inside, including anything from radon and formaldehyde to chemicals and synthetic fragrances found in common household cleaning supplies.
In other cases, they may be brought inside by new furniture or even paint. Dust mites and pet dander are another major problem when it comes to indoor pollutants. For children, asthma sufferers, and the elderly, it can have a more harmful effect on health and well-being. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help improve indoor quality by following these five steps.
1. Keeping Floors Clean
Vacuum Frequently. Purchase a quality vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter included that will help to clean out microscopic pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and fire-retardant chemicals. While a standard vacuum cleaner can remove many of these, a HEPA filter will help to ensure that the debris doesn’t get sent back out into the air by the vacuum’s exhaust system.
Mopping Can Help. After you’ve thoroughly vacuumed, running a mop over smooth floor surfaces will ensure that everything left behind gets picked up completely. Warm water or a microfiber mop can capture plenty of excess dust and other particles with no chemical additives needed.
Keep Pollutants Out. Use a quality door mat at the front door, where visitors can wipe their shoes clean before entering the home. This can help reduce the amount of pollutants brought in from the outside.
2. Watch Humidity Levels. Since dust mites prefer a moist environment, keep humidity levels to around thirty to fifty percent. Use a dehumidifier to help reduce indoor air moisture. You can also keep windows open when bathing or using the dishwasher, and use an exhaust fan. Try to avoid watering houseplants too much, and make sure the clothes dryer vent leads to the outside. Monitor pipes for leaks, and empty air conditioner and dehumidifier drip pans frequently.
3. No Smoking Allowed. Perhaps one of the worst offenders for indoor air pollution is cigarette smoke. Never allow anyone to smoke inside the home. The smoke from cigarettes can contain as many as 4,000 chemicals. Secondhand smoke can be especially dangerous to children, posing the risk for asthma, cancer, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Make sure you or anyone who visits your home never smokes indoors.
4. Perform Radon Tests. An odorless gas, radon is a threat to your health and lung quality. In fact, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Get a radon detector so you can ensure your home is not leaking this gas through cracks in the basement or foundation. Even some granite counter tops have been found to contain levels of radon, so testing is extremely important.
5. Use Natural Scents. Everyone wants their home to smell pleasant, but many air fresheners contain a myriad of harmful chemicals when breathed in. Laundry detergents and dryer sheets can also contain these chemicals. Instead, replace them with fragrance-free versions. You can also use lemon and baking soda in the kitchen to eliminate odors. Of course, the best way to freshen your home naturally is to open the windows and let fresh air inside.
The best thing you can do is to bring in a professional who can go through your HVAC system and clean it out for you to get rid of all the harsh chemicals above. This way, you can breathe easier without having to worry about the winter weather and using your furnace.
