Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, the quality of the air you breathe has a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. Several studies show that poor air quality leads to chronic diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer. In commercial spaces, polluted air ruins employees’ concentration and work performance. Globally, air pollution is causing millions of deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities reveal that the virus is mainly transmitted through droplets, close contact, and airborne transmission. These hard facts made people more conscious of whether the type of environment they live in is prone to deadly viruses.
Unknown to many, study shows that the air we breathe in our homes is more polluted and harmful than the outdoor air. One reason is that indoor air pollutants are typically two to five times higher than outdoor levels. These indoor pollutants include wall paint, beauty creams, shampoos, dust, and the chemicals we’re hiding in our drawers. This forced many homeowners to take proactive steps to make their homes clean and safe. In fact, many resort to air duct cleaning services to improve the air quality in indoor environments.
Given the importance of good air quality, this article will discuss ways to purify the air you breathe inside your home.
The right time to open the windows
Believe it or not, it’s good to leave the windows open, according to the World Health Organization. Using fans with the windows open for a specific time allows the air to disperse indoor pollutants. A great tip is to open the windows if the seasonal air quality is clean. Check air quality websites to know the level of pollen, dust, and sand is at low levels.
But if the outdoor air is at unhealthy levels, it is not advisable to keep them open for a longer period. Outdoor air may contain byproducts of gas emission from vehicles and industrial facilities.
If you’re hesitant or unsure whether the air outdoors is clean, you can try trickle ventilation to recycle and purify the indoor air. Trickle vents are small openings fitted to window frames that help avoid issues related to poor ventilation. You can install them in the kitchen to remove the lingering smells and air particles emitted from cooking. A study revealed that cooking at least one meal using a gas stove produces nitrogen dioxide in the air that can be harmful when breathed in.
Also, you may install a trickle vent or exhaust fan in the shower to remove the extra moisture and steam in the air, which can lead to mildew and mold growth.
Air purifying products
Scented candles are known for their soothing vibe, but they also help in reducing air pollution. Some scented candles, particularly those made of paraffin, are dangerous because of chemical substances, such as soot, toluene, and benzene. Instead, use beeswax candles since they come with air purification qualities.
Beeswax candles ionize the air and neutralize contaminants and toxic compounds. Aside from improving the air quality, they also burn slowly, so you don’t have to replace them often. They are also beneficial for asthmatic patients since they eliminate common allergens, such as dust.
Essential oils also have the ability to enhance air quality. Scents such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, clove, and grapefruit lemon effectively kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi in the air. You can use a diffuser to disperse the essential oil into the air.
Another natural way to clean the air is activated charcoal. It’s odorless, highly absorptive, and purifies the air by removing toxins from the air.
Salt lamps are also an effective air purifier, especially the Himalayan pink salt. Most salt crystal products help reduce airborne allergens, pathogens, and irritants by removing the water vapor in the air.
Transform your home into a green space
Having houseplants at home is one of the most efficient and effective ways to clean the air. Plants with air purifying features filter out toxins hanging from the air, such as benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde. Houseplants are also an ideal method to counter air pollution, which can greatly benefit people with respiratory diseases.
A great tip is to get houseplants that don’t rely on direct sunlight. You may also try the best air purifying plants, such as aloe vera, spider plant, broad lady plan, and English Ivy.
Health risks from indoor air pollution vary depending on the exposure, pollutant, and length of exposure. While there are many ways to improve indoor air quality, it’s important to research before selecting a method. Remember, simple and eco-friendly lifestyle changes can go a long way to clean the indoor air.
Meta title: How to Improve Air Quality at Home and Reduce Health Risks
meta desc: Study shows that indoor air quality in our homes is worse than the air outdoors. Find out ways to eliminate pollutants at home and purify the air you breathe in.
