Best Ways to Reduce Air Pollution at Home
Most of us think of traffic and outdoor pollutants when we think about air pollution. But in fact, the air we breathe indoors can be just as toxic to our health. If you’re looking for ways to reduce the pollution in your home and improve your health through cleaner air, these are the best strategies to implement.
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Change Your Air Filters
Air filters that have become clogged and dirty will not be as effective at removing allergens and pollutants in the home. This means they’re more likely to be circulating back through your property, which you and your family will then breathe in. To ensure your HVAC unit does a thorough job of keeping pollutants at bay, regularly change out the air filters. But, ensure you are ordering the right size as there are many, such as 16x25x1 sized air filter.
An alternative to air filters is an air scrubber, which is a device that fits directly into your HVAC system, working to remove pollutants such as pet dander, dust, pollen, chemicals, smoke, and bacteria. Air Scrubber Rental is now possible for those who need to cleanse the air around their home or place of business.
Stop Using Chemical Cleaners
Chemical household cleaners can wreak havoc on your lungs, as they give off fumes that irritate your airways and even your skin. If you or someone in the house has asthma, you will be particularly sensitive to these irritants. The fumes given off by cleaners cause inflammation in the nose and lungs which makes it more difficult to breathe, and also to heal from infections.
Switch out your cleaners for DIY alternatives using lemon, bicarbonate of soda, and vinegar, which will do just as good of a job at cleaning without the health hazard.
Ditch the Candles
You may think that the fresh smell given off by candles, incense, and other household fragrances such as air fresheners will clean the air, but they are actually polluting it. Candles and other items of this nature give off toxic fumes and particles which infiltrate the air.
If you’re trying to reduce air pollution, it’s a good idea to put a lid on candles and stop using air fresheners, and simply open the window if you want to freshen up space instead. This will allow fresh air to circulate throughout the home.
Remove Carpets
Carpets are a haven for dust mites, dirt, debris, and pet dander, so they can be incredibly polluting to the air. Where possible, remove carpet and replace it with tile or laminate flooring which is easier to keep clean and won’t trap dust and dirt.
If you can’t remove the carpet, it’s a good idea to have a no-shoes policy in the house, so that the amount of dirt and allergens brought in from outside is kept to a minimum. You should also dust and vacuum regularly to remove hair and dust from the floor, especially if there are pets in the home.
Reduce Air Pollution at Home: Wash Bedding Weekly
Your bed is prone to dust and mites, particularly if you allow pets into the bedrooms, so it’s a good idea to wash bedding in hot water on a weekly basis to keep these allergens to a minimum. And where possible, avoid having pets in your bedroom, as the pet dander can be a trigger for people with asthma or allergies.
