Healthy lungs equal a healthy life. When we hear the words “air pollution,” images of factory smoke, traffic exhaust, or burning litter usually come to mind.
We typically think that air pollution only affects the outdoors, but you will be surprised to learn that it can find its way inside our houses, putting us at risk for many diseases.
Numerous factors can contribute to indoor air pollution. Things such as furnishings, electronics, and building supplies can release pollutants in the air, which then travel throughout your residence.
Dirt can certainly accumulate in tricky places, such as ventilation systems, and this is another cause of pollution. Breathing in toxins or chemical substances emitted from fabrics, pesticides, or detergents can harm your lungs.
Here is a list of handy steps to guarantee the cleanliness of the air inside your home.
Grow Houseplants
Houseplants have numerous benefits; they help rejuvenate and clean the air indoors by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Moreover, the roots and leaves of plants can remove harmful chemicals from the air.
As you know, during the day, plants produce oxygen gas and absorb the carbon dioxide you exhale, while at night, this process is reversed.
However, there are some kinds of plants such as orchids and succulents that still produce oxygen gas at night. The bottom line is houseplants are a great oxygen source and toxin remover.
Buy Air Purifiers
Having air purifiers at home is essential to prevent microscopic dust, pollen, bacteria, and other harmful substances from contaminating your indoor air.
Such devices trap pollutants and remove them completely, giving you filtered, fresh, and clean air. They also work well with air conditioners, which filter the air and cool it down.
If you are looking for a good price to service your aircon, you should look for packages that include inspection, cleaning, replacement, and maintenance.
This will ensure good unit performance for a long time to come.
Invest in Essential Oils
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mold cannot persist in houses where essential oils are present, as they can effectively kill airborne bacterial pollutants.
Essential oils such as rosemary, pine needle, cinnamon, thyme, and oregano can help fight germs and purify the air in your house.
For increased efficiency, you can add them to detergents, soaps, and cleaners or put them in oil diffusers. That way, you will keep the air fresh and clean.
Go for Salt and Beeswax Candles
Both types of candles act as natural air purifiers, not to mention that they spread a refreshing aromatic scent all over the house.
Make sure not to buy the ones that contain paraffin as they contain numerous chemicals that do more harm than good. Beeswax candles help ionize the air particles and get rid of contaminants.
Similarly, the salt in salt candles works to decrease pollutants, allergens, and pathogens by eliminating water vapor from the air. Such candles can help you cleanse the air indoors effectively.
Allow More Ventilation
You can do that by opening the windows for short periods to get rid of harmful air pollutants. If not applicable due to bad weather, you can install more vents that help circulate and refresh the air in your house.
Kitchens and bathrooms can be sources of indoor air pollution due to stove gases and moisture, so it is vital to ventilate these areas. Exhaust fans will significantly help you in this case.
Air the New Furniture Out
It is always good to give your house a makeover. You should also remember that fabrics, paints, and construction materials can release harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds.
These chemicals contain harmful pollutants that affect your body in the long run.
Use Non-toxic Cleaners
Many detergents and cleaners contain toxic chemicals that irritate the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes. It is better and more environmentally-friendly to use natural ingredients for cleaning.
For instance, you can use citrus juice, baking soda, and vinegar to make household cleaners. You can look up easy DIY cleaner recipes depending on your needs.
Make Your House Smoke-free
It is already bad for your health to smoke, which is why your house should be a no-smoking zone since tobacco is toxic to your lungs and causes many respiratory diseases, including lung cancer.
Incense and paraffin candles can also harm your lungs and pollute the air, so it is better to minimize their use or not use them altogether.
Your health should always come first. One key aspect you should take care of to maintain good health is the quality of the air you breathe, particularly in your home.
While air pollution is mostly associated with external factors, the chances of its occurrence indoors are higher than you might think.
With this guide, you can now implement the necessary and simple steps to keep the air in your home clean, fresh, and germ-free.
