July 18, 2011
It is estimated that nearly 90% of our time is spent indoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside.
Many factors contribute to this: improper ventilation; indoor sources such as carpeting, upholstery, cleaning agents, and tobacco smoke; and biological sources like mold, mildew, dust, and other airborne particulates.
The following hints can help you reduce or eliminate some of the common culprits of poor indoor air quality.
Fix leaks. Moisture entering through leaks in your roof, basement, crawlspace, or foundation can lead to the growth of mold and/or mildew.
Make your home tobacco free. Request that smokers take the activity outdoors to eliminate the risks and pollutants caused by second-hand smoke.
Keep houseplants. Plants inside your home are great at filtering out contaminants and adding fresh oxygen back into the air.
Use all-natural cleaning products. Newer “green” cleaning agents and products marked “low VOC” (volatile organic compounds) cut down on odors and toxins.
Ventilate bathrooms. Directly ventilating rooms prone to strong odors or moisture lowers the risk of mold or mildew growth and eliminates odors from traveling into other areas of your home.
Don’t let the car idle in the garage. Allowing fuel-burning machines to idle inside your garage increases the risk of releasing poisoning toxins into your home’s ventilation system.
Store toxic products outside the home. Keep solvents, cleaning agents, paints, pesticides, and other potentially harmful elements away from indoor living space.
Limit the use of wood burning fires and candles. Fireplaces, stoves, candles, and other combustible sources produce harmful byproducts and fine particulates that can pollute the air.
Vacuum regularly. Use a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuum regularly to eliminate allergens that frequently collect in carpets and rugs.
Change your air filter. Plan to change your home heating and cooling system’s filter at least every thirty days to maintain optimal efficiency.
Regularly wash linens. Using hot water to wash linens and draperies helps to fight dust mites and other allergens.
Clean your home regularly. Us a damp cloth or mop when cleaning surfaces to avoid stirring dust and other particulates into the air.
Install an air cleaner. Using an indoor air purification system or UV germicidal lamp can cut down on molds, mildew, and other germs in the air.
No home is without its fair share of indoor air pollution. Taking these steps towards eliminating airborne particulates, allergens, contaminates and odors can significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe. Your indoor air will smell better; you’ll breathe easier, and live healthier.
Cool Today is your indoor air quality specialist. Contact us to learn how we can help you cure your indoor air quality concerns.
Posted in: Tips