The ozone, smog, and numerous other outdoor pollutants usually come to mind when we think about pollution, but many indoor air pollutants cause just as much, if not more, damage to an individual’s quality of life. Mold, dust, pet dander, smoke, radon, and formaldehyde are just a few of the indoor air toxins homeowners should keep out of the home.
The air inside of the home is three times more polluted than outdoor air. It is every homeowner’s responsibility to keep indoor air quality up to standards to prevent a variety of health problems. Below are 5 simple methods that help reduce indoor air toxins in the home below and how you can use them to benefit your life.
Keep the House Clean to Reduce Indoor Air Toxins
Vacuum carpeted areas in the house using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner twice per week. Clean the filter after each use. Focus on high traffic areas where the most indoor air toxins accumulate. Mop the non-carpeted, non-wood floors weekly and after vacuuming. This removes the dust that vacuuming leaves behind on the floors. Use floor mats at every door entrance to reduce the amount of dirt and pollutants that visitors track in from their shoes.
Go Green With Your Cleaning
Chemicals and toxins in traditional household cleaners are responsible for much of the indoor air pollution in the house. Make the switch to all-natural cleaners to keep these toxins out of your air. Many natural household cleaners are available at your favorite retailer and at a variety of online sources. They clean just as well as those toxin-filled products and leave the place smelling great. Furthermore, they’re better for the environment than traditional cleaners. That is a double benefit for you to enjoy!
Choose Houseplants that Reduce Indoor Air Toxins
Certain houseplants can work to detoxify your indoor air, and also add a fresh ambiance to your home. Place houseplants from this list around your home in areas where they get the appropriate amount of sunlight and don’t forget to water them!
Monitor Humidity Levels & Use a Dehumidifier
Dust mites are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye but don’t think for a second that these pests do not live in your home, especially if moisture is present. Proper humidity levels of 30% to 50% keep allergies at bay and the dust mites away. Many people use a dehumidifier during the hot summer months to keep the humidity levels in their home at the proper levels and to reduce indoor air moisture to better control allergens. Purchase a dehumidifier from any home improvement store. Prices for dehumidifiers start at about $20, though some high-end models can cost several hundred dollars. Running the air conditioning unit is also a good technique that circulates the air and keeps indoor air toxins from stagnating.
Stop Smoking Inside the Home
Smoking is single-handedly responsible for more indoor air pollution than any other source. Make your home a smoke-free zone and notice many improvements in the quality of the air, your breathing patterns, and the number of respiratory and ear infections that your children sustain. More than 4,000 chemicals found inside tobacco are released each time a cigarette is lit. These toxins become trapped inside the walls of the home, where environmental and health risks occur.
Address Mold in your Home
Mold in your home contributes unhealthy indoor air toxins to your home’s environment. Pinpointing and eliminating mold issues is crucial to reduce indoor air toxins in your home. Even basement mold can affect the air quality of your whole home.
AWP Home Inspections serves the greater Indianapolis area with home inspection and testing services. Contact us to book an appointment.