Poor indoor air quality can hurt people’s health. The World Health Organization has stated that “indoor air pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental threats to public health.”
Several factors contribute to poor indoor air quality, including cigarette smoke, dust, pet dander, and chemical pollutants from products such as paint and cleaning supplies. These pollutants can cause various health problems, including asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor indoor air quality is responsible for an estimated 4.3 million cases of respiratory illness each year in the United States. Additionally, it is estimated that indoor air pollution contributes to about $157 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity each year.
Improving indoor air quality is essential for protecting people’s health. These steps will be vital to ensure fresh air in your home.
Home Cleaning
Indoor air quality might be achievable with devices and appliances, but homeowners’ little effort every day should not be underrated. A clean house is an excellent start to improving air quality, as dirt and dust can accumulate and become airborne, worsening allergies and asthma symptoms. Cleaning surfaces with a damp cloth or using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter can help remove these particles from the air.
In the kitchen, cooking fumes can contribute to poor indoor air quality, so use the range hood when cooking. Properly disposing of garbage, including food scraps, and regularly cleaning refrigerator coils will help keep your kitchen’s air quality high.
Finally, you can also focus on improving air quality by using natural cleaning products and avoiding those that release harmful chemicals into the air.
Ventilation
Improving ventilation is another crucial step in improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation helps remove pollutants from the air and can also help control humidity levels, which can impact conditions like mold growth.
There are a few ways to improve ventilation in your home. One way is to open windows when the weather permits to let fresh air inside. You can also use fans to circulate air throughout your home. Ensuring your home’s HVAC system is properly maintained can also help ensure good airflow and indoor air quality.
Unfortunately, your HVAC system can also be a source of pollutants if it is not maintained correctly. Be sure to change your HVAC system’s air filter regularly. Have the system serviced by a professional who performs HVAC service every few years to ensure it is running efficiently and not circulating pollutants around your home.
Air Purifiers
Another option for improving indoor air quality is to use an air purifier. Air purifiers pull air into the device, filtered before being released into the room.
Air purifiers are appliances in the household that can eliminate various pollutants from the air, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Some air purifiers are designed to remove specific contaminants, such as smoke or chemicals.
When choosing an air purifier, please select one that is the right size for the room you will use. Additionally, choose a device with a high CADR rating, indicating the cleaner’s ability to remove specific contaminants from the air.
Selecting an air purifier with both features will help ensure you get the best indoor air quality for your home.
Indoor Plants
Another way to improve indoor air quality is to add some greenery to your home. Indoor plants can help remove pollutants from the air and improve air quality.
One study found that common houseplants, such as spider plants and golden pothos, can remove 87% of VOCs from the air in 24 hours. These plants can also help improve your home’s air circulation and humidity levels.
When selecting plants for your home, be sure to choose ones that are effective at removing specific pollutants, such as formaldehyde or benzene. Also, select easy plants to care for to keep them healthy and thriving. Indoor plants have plenty of benefits, making it an ideal investment.
Outdoor Air Quality
What is happening outdoors can also have an impact on indoor air quality. Pollutants from cars, factories, and construction sites can all find their way into your home, impacting air quality. Additionally, smoke from wildfires can also affect indoor air quality, even if your home is not directly in the path of the fire.
To help improve outdoor air quality:
- Be aware of local air quality conditions and avoid pollutant exposure when possible.
- If you live in an area affected by wildfires, keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible to avoid smoke exposure.
- If your neighborhood has relatively clean air, consider opening your windows to let fresh air into your home.
Final Thoughts
Improving indoor air quality is essential for your and your family’s health. You can take several steps to enhance the air quality in your home, including ventilation, using air purifiers, and adding plants. Additionally, be aware of outdoor air quality conditions and avoid exposure to pollutants.
These tips can help ensure you and your family breathe the cleanest air possible.