Indoor Air Pollution

We tend to think of air pollution as something outside -- smog, ozone, or haze hanging in the air, especially in summer. But the truth is, the air inside homes can be polluted by two to five times more than the worst outdoor air. The air inside your home may be polluted by lead, pesticides, formaldehyde, fire-retardants, carbon monoxide, radon, even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners. Some pollutants are tracked into the home. Some arrive via a new mattress or furniture, carpet cleaners, or a coat of paint on the walls.

The EPA ranked indoor air quality as a top five environmental danger to human health, contributing to asthma, allergies, respiratory diseases, heart disease, increased risk of cancer, as well as other health concerns.

Some tips to improve Indoor Air Quality:

* Take off your boots & shoes when coming in the home to avoid tracking in dirt, pesticides and other pollutants.

* Keep floors clean. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce toxins, as well as allergens like pollen, pet dander & dust mites. Mopping helps pick up dust.

* Avoid furniture made with woods that have been treated with formaldehyde & put together with toxic glues.

* Choose zero VOC paints & finishes to cut down on harmful chemicals.

* Adjust your home’s humidity to 30-50 percent to keep indoor allergens, mildew & mold under control.

* Make your home a NO-SMOKING zone.

* Go fragrance free with cleaning & beauty products. Use natural products.

* Cut out aerosol sprays.

* Add plants. Plants purify the air, especially boston fern, lady palm, english ivy, peace lily, snake plant & spider plants.

* Switch to beeswax candles instead of paraffin, which are made from petroleum.

* Test for radon. Radon is an odorless gas that can raise the risk of lung cancer. The colorless gas can be found in nearly all soil types & moves up through the ground & into your home through the foundation.

* Tackle mold & mildew which can lead to breathing problems.

Information from:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/12-natural-ways-to-improve-indoor-air-quality/

https://www.webmd.com/lung/features/12-ways-to-improve-indoor-air-quality#3