Some people don’t know that poor indoor air quality can be dangerous to their health. However, the reality is that indoor air can contain harmful contaminants that lead to health problems. Fragrances, pet dander, household cleaners, and dust are some examples of indoor pollutants that often appear when a home air quality test is performed.
Improving indoor air quality (IAQ)
Since people spend most of their time indoors, it would be wise to keep the indoor air clean for a comfortable environment.
Listed below are some tips to ensure clean indoor air throughout the year:
- Check Furniture
Some furniture is made of toxic materials and glues that can pollute your indoor air. The toxic glues contain harmful chemicals. Some finishing products like varnishes can affect the health of asthmatic people and those suffering from allergies. Indoor air pollution can be prevented naturally by avoiding furniture treated with chemicals and furniture pieces assemble using toxic glues.
- Salt Lamps
Salt crystal products are great at reducing airborne irritants, allergens, and pathogens by extracting water vapor from the air. A salt lamp is a natural way of cleaning the indoor air because it works by pulling toxins from the surroundings and neutralizing them. Indoor air quality can be improved by placing a salt lamp near the office desk or in the room and leaving it on at night.
- Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural way of improving indoor air quality through purification. Activated charcoal is odorless and very efficient at eliminating toxins from the indoor air. Indoor air can also be purified naturally with bamboo charcoal.
- Keep Home Clean
Good indoor hygiene is integral to maintain a healthy home in Oak Harbor. Pollutants, such as dander and dust, can quickly build up and affect the indoor air quality, especially if one struggles with house cleaning chores. Ensure throwing away clutter often, vacuuming carpets and rugs, and frequently cleaning curtains and changing bedding for better hygiene. Keep other items that might trap indoor air pollutants clean to maintain clean indoor air.
- Essential Oils
Mold and fungus are unlikely to survive in the presence of essential oils, such as grapefruit, oregano, tea tree, rosemary, and thyme. Essential oils can kill most airborne bacteria in the house. Consider using an antiseptic blend of pure essential oils, such as lemon, eucalyptus, and grapefruit, to keep the house free of germs and to purify the indoor air. Essential oils can also be added to detergents and soaps for cleaner and fresher indoor air.
- Groom Pets
With indoor pets, pet skin cells and dander can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Pet fur is a leading cause of asthma and allergies. Ensure to minimize pet dander and skin cells by cleaning the pets regularly. Brushing the pets outside and vacuuming carpets and floors is an effective way to maintain and improve the indoor air quality of the house.
- Indoor Plants
Indoor air quality can be improved by introducing indoor plants to the house space. Some plants cleanse and improve indoor air quality, by absorbing the carbon monoxide in the air. Try placing plants, such as spider plants, peace lily, and bamboo palm, around the home since they grow well indoors and remove toxins like ammonia and benzene from the indoor air.
- Avoid Smoking
Avoid allowing visitors to smoke in your house. Second-hand smoking causes odors and increases the possibility of developing cancer and asthma. Ensure that guests smoke outside of the home to prevent contaminating the indoor air.
- Increase Ventilation
Proper ventilation reduces moisture levels, which is a primary cause of poor indoor air quality. Besides opening the house’s windows, it is wise to install trickle vents that can purify and cycle the indoor air. Consider the use of exhaust fans that assist in carrying pollutants outside. Ensure that there is increased ventilation in the kitchen, because cooking is a primary source of indoor air pollution. Furthermore, remember to vent extra moisture and steam before showering by turning on the fan to prevent mold and mildew growth.
