Tips for minimizing indoor air pollution in your home!
When you think of air pollution, you probably envision car exhaust, industrial smoke pipes, wildfire smoke, and city smog. These are all major contributors to outdoor air pollution, but what most people don’t realize is that air quality is often worse indoors than it is outdoors!
Toxic pollution from outdoor air can build up inside the home, and there are several common sources of indoor air pollution that exist within the average household as well. Mold, mildew, dust, dirt, toxic cleaning supplies, paints, toaster ovens, air fresheners, and wood-burning stoves can all pose threats to human health and indoor air quality. These sources of indoor air pollution can exacerbate or contribute to allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, lung cancer, among other adverse health effects.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to minimize the amount of air pollution in your home and reduce your levels of exposure to toxic chemicals!
Things you can do:
Open some windows to get fresh air and to make your home smell better
Use essential oils if you want some natural fragrance in your home
Buy some house plants or flowers – plants filter out toxins from the air
Take out your trash and compost regularly
Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Use your kitchen and bathroom fans
Test for radon
Recycle paints and solvents
Retire or replace wood-burning stoves
Dust with a wet cloth and vacuum regularly
Take off your shoes when you enter your home
Let your shower curtain and towels air out to dry
Make sure your heating and cooling systems are working properly (get them inspected)
Wash any rugs/floor mats regularly
Keep plastics out of the microwave
Minimize the use of your toaster
Avoid using plastic food containers – choose glass if possible
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If friends or family smoke
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When you think of air pollution, you probably envision car exhaust, industrial smoke pipes, wildfire smoke, and city smog. These are all major contributors to outdoor air pollution, but what most people don’t realize is that air quality is often worse indoors than it is outdoors!
