We do all of the right things. We double check to make
sure the doors are locked at night. We wash all of our meats and veggies before
we cook them. We drink filtered water and buy toothpaste with fluoride. I find
it strange that no one ever thinks about the air that we breathe when we are
home. We breathe much more than we eat or brush our teeth but we do nothing to
improve the air in our own homes.
Did you know that there are often more contaminants
inside of our homes than there are outside? It’s true. Our homes are sealed and
contain less “fresh” air than outside. The use of air conditioning and heating
systems compound this problem making our safe haven a less healthy environment
than the great outdoors. Here are some ways to improve the air that we breathe
at home.
Information is
Power
Understand what causes the air in your home to be
unhealthy. There are many contributors including pets, moisture, cleaning
products, appliances and even the very material that our home is constructed
of. The consequences of these pollutants can include asthma, allergies, even
cancer. Warning signs may include
unusual odors, poor ventilation, mold and mildew and poor air flow. Also pay
close attention to damaged pipes, heating or ac systems or excess moisture.
Standing water is always a problem.
If you are currently remodeling or making improvements to
your home, make note if you or your loved ones have not been feeling well or
have flu like symptoms. The contaminants contained in the dust that is created
during these activities may contain particles that we should not be breathing.
It’s best to “seal off” the work area in our home from the rest of the house
and to wear respiratory protection when working in these areas. Here are some
important steps that you can take to ensure that the air in your home is
healthy.
Keep Your Home
Clean
Keeping your home free of dust and dirt is key to
maintaining good air quality. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner as well
as your HVAC system(s) and clean the filters at least once every 4 months. If
the filters are not dirty this is a sign that something is wrong with the
equipment and it is time to have it checked by a professional.
Reduce Moisture
Humidity is your enemy. Mold and dust mites thrive in
moisture. The healthiest moisture levels in your home are between 35% and 55%.
Use the ventilation fans in your kitchen and bathroom, especially after taking
a shower. Empty the tray in the bottom of your refrigerator often and be sure
that any AC units are draining properly. All water pipes in your home should be
insulated properly and all doors and windows should have the proper weather
seal as well. Finally, have any roofing or plumbing leaks fixed immediately to
prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Use Only Natural
Air Fresheners
Did you know that many air fresheners on the market today
contain toxins? Some candles do as well. It’s best to use natural ingredients
to rid your home of unwanted odors. Lemon juice and water make an excellent air
freshener in a spray bottle and sprinkling baking soda on carpets before
vacuuming is also very effective. My favorite is to add cinnamon or allspice to
simmering water on the stove. You might also consider installing an air
purifier in your home. It’s best to speak to a professional to determine which
system is best for your home before making a decision.
Increase
Ventilation
Nothing improves indoor air quality better than good ole’
fresh air! Open doors and windows on nice days and let Mother Nature do the
work. Be sure that all the necessary appliances have the necessary ventilation
to the outside (such as your gas dryer). If you have a chimney this is
especially important. These fumes are not only unhealthy; they can actually
cause a fire.
Protect against
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As you already know, Carbon Monoxide is deadly and has no
odor or color. Low levels however are still detrimental to your health and are
a serious concern. Any item in your home that uses fuel to operate produces
this lethal gas. Be sure that all such equipment is properly vented and use
certified professionals to inspect and repair these appliances on a regular
basis. NEVER use any equipment in your home that is powered by gasoline or
kerosene and install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.
If you follow these simple instructions you will
dramatically improve the quality of the very air that you breathe in your home and
you may even feel better and have increased energy!
No comments:
Post a Comment