Many people believe that contaminated air is only found outdoors while the inside is completely free from any negative elements. The truth is that indoor pollution is just as bad if not worse than outdoor one.
Indoor contamination is greater in big cities because of the increase in outdoor pollution entering homes, but it also affects people living in rural areas. An average person spends more than 90% of their lives in their residence; hence there is a need to upgrade the standard of atmosphere. Improving indoor air standards can help you avoid allergy symptoms and keep you breathing comfortably throughout the winter. All allergens may not be eliminated from your house, but you can limit their number and your exposure to them by making a few simple changes.
Here are some easy techniques for enhancing indoor air quality and alleviating allergy symptoms.
1. Clean the Air Ducts
Air ducts are essential for moving hot and cold air inside your home. They ensure that each area has a pleasant temperature. However, if those ducts are not constructed or maintained properly, toxins can be transferred from one area to another. Dust, pet dander, and mold can build up in the pipes over time, lowering the overall air quality. Hire an expert to make sure your ducts are transporting fresh, clean air. Make use of a purifier. We assure you that you will have a dust-free home to come back to.
2. Fight Air Pollution with Appliances Filters
Check the filters in your household appliances if you want to enhance the atmosphere in your living space. Inspect the vacuum cleaners, dryers, and kitchen vents. HVAC (Heating, Ventilator, and air conditioning) systems always work to keep the home at a perfect temperature. All these systems have a filter to clean and remove impurities and pollen. Without regular cleaning and changing of these filters, dust and other airborne irritants stay trapped and re-circulate inside. Electrostatic filters could catch dust and other airborne irritants rather than re-circulate them throughout your home. Replacing these popular household air filters every few months is recommended. Additionally, electrical appliances are prevented from wearing down when they are cleaned. This problem has been dwelled upon in many essays on pollution at StudyDriver, where the authors describe the importance of the sustainable appliances usage.
3. Let the Fresh Air in
Good ventilation is one of the best and easy strategies to boost indoor air conditions. You may prefer to use the air conditioner at high levels of temperature. Open the windows and doors to allow pure air into the residence. The best time to do this is in the mornings. Switch on the fans to remove any atmospheric impurities. Continuous airflow is important to remove any stagnant air. It is very poor in non-ventilated spaces and can negatively affect your health. Keep the rooms well-vented when using chemical-heavy decorating or washing products.
4. Dust from Time to Time
Good quality vacuum cleaners are expensive, but they’re a potent weapon against dust, pet hair, and pollen which may quickly accumulate and irritate your respiratory system. Sweep as often as possible, including under sofas, rugs, and beds, to reduce indoor clouds of dust. Washing your bedding, drapes, and other items that may attract allergens. Aerate your mattress and carpets regularly. Keep surfaces clear of clutter and use a moist cloth to catch particles. This will improve the air quality a lot.
5. Choose Good Furniture
Although your new sofa may appear a luxury, it releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide into your living room. Some materials in manufacturing your furniture, such as foam for sofas and mattresses or glue, can contribute to air pollution. Many fabrics, glues, and paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gasses. They generate particles that irritate and damage our lungs when they have a reaction with sunlight and chemicals. Choose your furniture carefully to avoid the slow release of toxins that can contribute to poor air quality indoors. Try to avoid the things that are made from particle board which also contributes to indoor air pollution.
6. Use Non-Toxic Paint
Look for low VOC paints that don’t have that distinct paint odor. Non-toxic brands should state their ingredients on their containers or be willing to offer them if asked. They shouldn’t contain any plastic since it produces a barrier on the walls that retains air, allowing mold to grow.
Avoid acrylics, formaldehyde, ammonia, oil-based petrochemicals, and synthetic dyes. Switch to water-based paints instead of oil-based paints, and ensure they aren’t watered down. According to government laws, all paints can only contain a certain amount of VOCs to be considered safe. Some, on the other hand, have fewer levels than others.
7. Get Indoor Plants
They have natural purifying benefits for your home. The plants help improve the air quality and remove some toxic chemicals from the rooms. Many houseplants are great for removing formaldehyde, a common toxic chemical that can cause cancer and trigger allergic reactions. Greenery also brightens up the room with vibrant colors and textures. They also slowly provide oxygen.
Conclusion
Air standards may have a bigger health impact than we can imagine. Many common contaminants exist in our homes without our knowledge and we breathe them in. Pure indoor air can save you from many allergens triggering your immunity and many other infections.
Keeping the atmosphere in your living space pure and breathable requires dedication and maintenance. Open windows, choose your furniture carefully, reduce air fresheners, avoid toxic paints, and use houseplants to improve the condition of the air. Utilize the easy methods highlighted above to improve the quality of your life.
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