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The concentration level of indoor pollutants is two to three times higher than outdoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. When you think about air pollution, the first thing that comes to mind is fossil fuel burning, industrial smokestacks, and car exhaust gases. And while staying indoors seems like an excellent idea to stay away from these pollutants, it isn’t.
Surprisingly, indoor air quality in homes and offices is worse than what you encounter outdoors. Indoor air pollutants range from gas leaks to asbestos, tobacco smoke, mold and mildew, and contaminants brought in from outside by your pets. Given air pollution inside homes increases the risk of respiratory problems, maintaining high-air quality all-year-round is crucial. Below are 3 ways you can enhance the air quality in your home.
Minimize Carbon Monoxide Emissions
Leaking chimneys, gas stoves, and central heating systems are common aspects that increase carbon monoxide emissions in homes. Since carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, it can cause severe health complications or even death before you’re aware of its exposure in your house. Health issues linked to carbon monoxide include chest pain, fatigue, reduced brain function, headaches, nausea, and impaired vision.
To ensure your family stays healthy, you need to eliminate carbon monoxide fumes in your living spaces. Start by ensuring all combustion equipment is well maintained and adjusted correctly to prevent toxic emissions. Also, check that doors on your wood and gas stoves close tightly and have a certified professional inspect and clean the central heating system.
Use Activated Charcoal To Reduce Pollutants
Placing activated charcoal strategically inside the home is one of the best ways to improve air quality naturally. Activated or bamboo charcoal is highly porous and odorless. It purifies the air by absorbing all forms of contaminants, including toxic fumes, bacteria, allergens, and unpleasant odors. It is important to note that bamboo charcoal comes in linen-like bags, making them easy to replace and clean. Unlike air purifiers, activated charcoal purifier bags don’t require electricity and can be recharged by exposing them to sunlight for a few hours. Moreover, they are safe for kids and pets. Even more interesting, you can use them for at least two years. But before you can purchase bamboo charcoal, be sure to do your research carefully. Find out the pros and cons of buying activated charcoal air purifying bags, in addition to the size and quantity you’ll need to improve indoor air quality.
Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation is a sure way of reducing indoor air pollution because contaminants move outside, leaving your space filled with fresh air. Therefore, make it a habit to open windows, even during the cold season, to ensure clean air flows freely inside the house. It is also wise to use fans in the kitchen to eliminate cooking fumes that contaminate the air.
Maintaining clean and breathable air in your home shouldn’t be challenging. All you need to do is prioritize preventative maintenance. Ensure you clean your home regularly, change air filters, improve ventilation, use green cleaning products, and control humidity, to mention a few.