Several people are most likely to spend a considerable amount of time of their day indoors. We all are aware that air pollution has been increasing at an alarming rate. But what is more scary is that studies have shown that indoor air can have 2 - 5% more pollutants than outdoor air. We are making our homes energy efficient and insulating them. Global warming has made air conditions a necessity, which also requires closing the vents of a room. Lesser ventilation makes air quality poorer.
Air is filled with particles that are not visible to the naked eye, such as dust particles, pollen, and more. Everything we breathe in has an effect on our bodies. Breathing polluted air for prolonged periods can have harmful effects on our bodies as well as our minds. It can trigger allergies and asthma. It can cause headaches, breathing difficulties, ear, nose, and throat irritation, bronchitis, and skin irritation. Improving indoor air quality is required to maintain good health. Be sure not to seal yourself up with diseases causing bacteria and viruses in the air. Test indoor air quality using an indoor air quality monitor. Detox your indoor air, home, and life with 5 practical tips to optimise your health and well-being.
Here are 5 tips to improve indoor air quality
- Improve Ventilation - Do not keep your windows and ventilators closed unnecessarily. Open windows whenever possible. Proper ventilation can help to remove any kind of odour build-up. It clears stale air and reduces the buildup of pollutants. It is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Inadequate ventilation can trap pollutants such as volatile organic compounds(VOC) from chemicals used in the house or carbon monoxide emitted from appliances or fireplaces in the house. Turn on chimneys or exhaust fans while cooking and also in the bathroom while washing or cleaning. This helps to eliminate harmful chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds, that can often be used while cleaning. Ventilators and exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom can also help to reduce moisture and kitchen fumes.
- Invest in indoor air quality monitors and air purifiers:- Investing in indoor air quality monitors will greatly help test and monitor indoor air quality. These are devices specifically designed to test indoor air quality and monitor it. There can be various types of indoor air quality monitors, such as -
- Particulate Matter (PM) Monitors - These monitor the concentration of particulate matter in the air. Below 12µg/m3 is an acceptable level.
- VOC Monitors - VOC stands for volatile organic chemical. The acceptable value is below 400 ppb.
- CO2 Monitors - Monitors the concentration of carbon dioxide in indoor air. The normal value for which is below 1000 ppm.
Investing in air purifiers is also beneficial for keeping indoor air clean and improving indoor air quality. They help to get rid of pollutants from your home air. Opt one that has a higher cleaning speed but is not noisy. You need to keep the filter of the purifier clean. These purifiers use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters for filtration purposes. Some purifiers can use an ioniser to collect particles. This can release ozone, and check the instructions and labels properly to reduce emissions.
- Cleaning and Dusting Regularly - Use a damp or microfibre cloth to clean and dust your furniture. Wash and clean your fabrics at least once or twice a week. This will help you to reduce unwanted bacteria buildup and reduce dust and allergens in your home air. Use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum and clean the carpets and furniture regularly. This is an essential step to ensure good indoor air quality, especially if you have pets at home. Vacuum cleaners help to get rid of pet danders.
- Keep indoor plants - Plants are a source of oxygen. They absorb carbon dioxide and maintain the oxygen and carbon dioxide balance in indoor air. The plant acts as an indoor air quality monitor while also maintaining the aesthetics of your home. But be careful not to overwater plants as that can lead to excess humidity, which promotes mould growth.
- Control Humidity Levels - High humidity level promotes the growth of moulds. Test indoor air quality to know about the humidity of the air in your home. Try to maintain humidity levels between 30 - 50 %. Use dehumidifiers to reduce and maintain desired humidity levels at home.
Good indoor air is essential for good health, especially for children, elderly people, and people suffering from respiratory diseases. Smoking indoors should also be strictly avoided to keep indoor air clean. Tobacco is not only detrimental to your health but also pollutes the air in your home. Occasionally test indoor air quality. Opt for an indoor air quality monitor to ensure you breathe clean air.
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