Everyone knows that pollution is a problem outdoors. In recent years, car emissions, factory output, and other factors have made outdoor air quality a major concern. But what about indoor air pollution?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air quality inside our homes can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. Thankfully, there are things we can do to combat indoor pollution and improve the quality of the air our families breathe every day.
1. Keep Your Home Clean
One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is also one of the simplest: keep your home clean. Regularly sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming will help remove contaminants from surfaces and prevent them from re-entering the air. Be sure to regularly clean areas where dust builds up, such as ceiling fans, windowsills, and bookshelves. You should also deep clean your carpets about once a year.
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2. Bring in Some Plants
Houseplants are not only beautiful; they can also help purify the air in your home. According to NASA, common houseplants like aloe vera, spider plants, and Ficus trees can help remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. So go ahead and add a few green friends to your décor; your lungs will thank you for it.
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3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning your home or doing laundry, try to avoid using harsh chemicals whenever possible. These chemicals can off-gas into the air, causing respiratory problems for you and your family. Instead, opt for cleaning products made from natural ingredients. You can also make many cleaning solutions yourself using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
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4. Invest in an air purifier
If you’re serious about improving indoor air quality, you may want to invest in an air purifier. Air purifiers work by circulating the air in your home and removing contaminants like dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Just be sure to choose an EPA-certified purifier; otherwise, it may do more harm than good by releasing ozone into the atmosphere.
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5. Improve Ventilation
Another way to improve indoor air quality is to ensure your home is well-ventilated. This will help remove polluted air and bring in fresh air from outside. During colder months, open the windows for a few minutes each day to let in some fresh air. You should also ensure your home’s ventilation system is up-to-date and working correctly; consider having it checked by a professional once a year.
Final Thoughts
Indoor pollution is a problem that many families face every day without even knowing it. By taking some simple steps like keeping your home clean and investing in an air purifier, you can help improve the quality of the air your family breathes every day.
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