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5 Ways to Achieve Better Indoor Air Quality
There are many environmental factors that can contaminate the air that we breathe. Even if we cannot control the pollution outdoors alone, there are things that we can do when it comes to indoor air quality. We can make the air that we breathe at home cleaner, fresher and healthier.
According to Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, indoor air quality is one of the biggest factors that can affect our health. Around 87% of Americans spend their time indoors which makes it more significant to be keen in improving the quality of air circulating at home. Here are some easy ways that you can do to make your indoor air quality better.
Review 5 Ways to Achieve Better Indoor Air Quality :
Be Green
Having a green home does not only make your home livelier but also healthier. Plants can make us feel better. For example, patients in hospitals with plants inside their rooms feel more positive and low stress levels. This is the same as indoor plants.
Plants are able to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Chemicals present in the air can also be filtered out such as benzene and formaldehyde. There are many plants that you can place inside your home which are great in purifying the air that you breathe. Some are:
- Garden Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) – This plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia and xylene.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum “Vittatum”) – These plants are one of the easiest plants to grow and a good choice for beginners. It can remove xylene and formaldehyde.
- Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) – There are more than 40 different types of Dracaena plants so it is easy to find them. These plants can eliminate xylene, trichloroethylene. Formaldehyde and benzene.
- Ficus/Weeping Fig (FicusBenjamina) – Ficus can grow from two up to ten feet tall. It can eliminate benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.) – Peace lily plants are small but they still contain air purifying capabilities. These plants can eliminate ammonia, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene.
Always Remove Dust
There are many particulates or dust circulating around your house from different sources. It is important to always keep your furniture and equipment clean to decrease the amount of dust in the air. If you have pets, it is important to groom them regularly.
Make sure that carpets, rugs and couches are always clean as dust and pet hair can get stuck on those. If you are using a vacuum, make sure that you have one of the best-tested vacuums or with HEPA filters.
Control The Level of Moisture
The recommended amount of moisture at home is from 40% up to 60%. Excess moisture level can start the growth of molds and mildew which can irritate the lungs and may lead to serious illnesses. Homes and businesses have many sources of moisture such as from basements, clothes dryers, bathrooms and kitchens. Here are some ways to reduce moisture:
- Use exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom.
- Use ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifier in basements and laundry rooms.
- Dry the areas where you see formation of condensation.
- Make sure to seal sinks and tubs to avoid water from leaking.
- Install gutters and adjust downspouts to sidetrack roof overflow.
Improve Ventilation
Good ventilation can remove stale indoor air and replace it with fresh air from outdoors. During summer or warm months, you can simply open your windows and doors to have good ventilation. What are the benefits of good ventilation?
- Ventilation can lower the concentrations of radon gas.
- Allergens and other contaminants can be filtered out.
- It can prevent asthma and protect respiratory health.
- It can reduce condensation which occurs when humid air is cooled fast.
- Reduces the risks of backdrafting. Backdrafting is when the pressure inside your home is lower than the pressure outdoors. This is risky when combustion gases like carbon monoxide become concentrated at home.
- Volatile organic compounds or VOC concentrations can be lowered. VOCs are the emissions from furnishings and household chemicals which can be dangerous in high concentrations.
Clean The Air
You can clean your indoor air using an air purifier. Air purifiers aim to filter out all the contaminants present in the air leaving you fresh and healthy environment to live in. Air purifiers are also recommended for people with respiratory problems or for homes with pets.