How often are you thinking about the quality of the air you breathe? You may be thinking about this more now that many are wearing masks to do various activities indoors and outdoors. The air you breathe is very important. According to the EPA, your indoor environment may be up to five times more toxic than an outdoor air. On average Americans can spend about 90 percent of their lives indoors! This number is likely higher currently.
A few of the contributors of poor indoor air quality are:
- Radon - A noxious gas that arises from the soil and bedrock beneath homes. Radon exposure is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of the development of lung cancer overall.
- Tobacco Smoke - Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals and at least 70 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer.
- Mold - Mold, mildew and viruses thrive indoors and absolutely must be treated.
- Cooking and Heating - Poorly ventilated or maladjusted sources of cooking and heating may give off carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and many other chemicals and gases.
- Household Products - Chemical cleaners, air fresheners, pest treatment and more. It’s estimated that the average home may have about 63 synthetic chemicals that's about 10 gallons of hazardous material.
- Furnishings and Paint - Furniture foam, carpet, paint, and stains can give off harmful volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) Volatile organic compounds are linked to cancer and heart and lung disease.
- Building Materials - Asbestos and formaldehyde can still be found in building materials.
This sound grim right? Well, yeah it does.
This is why it is important to take a little time to look into the quality of your indoor air. There are many things you can do to help improve the quality of your air. Some are more expensive than others. But some of the most effective can be so simple.
Did you know that there are many health conditions and diseases that can be avoided and improved by improving your indoor air quality?
Short-term issues like:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Nausea
Long-term Issues like:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Cancers
- MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities)
- And more
I'm sure you have guessed by know that I wouldn't leave you hanging without any solutions. :)
So, lets dive in on some ways to fix this problem and help improve your health!
#1: Clean up your clean up.
Getting rid of harsh cleaning chemicals and air fresheners (including some scented candles). We all want to live in a clean home that smells great. However, it may be time to look into more natural alternatives to your common cleaning products. There are many bleach and ammonia alternatives on the market to choose from. Cleaning fabrics regularly with non-toxic chemicals can also go a long way to further reduce allergens. Baking soda and vinegar can provide a cheap and effective solution in many cases. In addition, Essential Oils are a great way to get a naturally fresh scent in your home without the harmful side effects or synthetics.
#2: Tune the heat up.
Heating sources like gas often require annual tune-ups. Scheduling a professional to come check your stove, water heater and home HVAC systems, can help reduce toxic gasses in the home. Plus, this allows them to perform more efficiently, saving you money too. Also, remember to replace the air filters on your HVAC return vents regularly and try choosing a higher quality filter to further improve air quality.
#3: Bring in some nature.
Perhaps one of the simplest and yet most important is to open your windows and ventilate regularly. Bringing in fresh air can make a major difference. You can also bring in some plants. Some of the best plants to help improve indoor air quality are: Bromeliad, Dracaena, Spider plant and Jade plant.
#4: Invest in a filter.
I say invest because this step can be expensive. Air purifiers or air cleaners can really help to reduce indoor air pollutants. Unfortunately, many air cleaners are not doing an effective job of cleaning the air and to get something worth having you will have to spend a bit of money. However, a quality air cleaner can be a really worthwhile investment in your health. I don’t often recommend brands but in this case Ill make an exception. Companies like AirDoctor, Intellipure and IQAir offer quality air cleaners that have the technology to clean the air properly and make a major difference in your home.
I hope this helps you to breathe a little easier. (Dad Joke)
As with anything just take this one step at a time. This is in no particular order and all of these can have a big impact. To get started you may just want to get outside more and open the windows.
Before I let you go, watch out for clever marketing gimmicks like "all natural" and flashy packaging. Just because something is natural does not mean it's good for you. There are many great resources for learning about what products are better and what products are best. Take the time to search out quality ingredients and formulas. It will be worth it in the long run.
Until next time. Make good choices and stay healthy! 😀
