Indoor air pollution can come from a variety of sources, including dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, cigarette smoke, cleaning chemicals, and off-gassing from furniture and construction materials. Poor management of these contaminants is detrimental to air quality.
Let's figure out what we can do to better the air inside.
Ventilation
Ensure adequate ventilation in your residence or building. When the outdoor air quality is good, open windows and doors and install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove pollutants and moisture.
Eliminate smoking
Indoor smoking should be prohibited, as secondhand smoke contains numerous toxic compounds and pollutants. To prevent smoke from infiltrating the building, encourage smokers to smoke outside and away from doors and windows.
Use air purifiers
Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters to get rid of dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores that float through the air. For best results, put them in places like bathrooms and living rooms that people use often.
Avoid chemical pollutants
Use cleaners, air fresheners, and other agents that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air as little as possible. Whenever you can, choose options that are natural or good for the environment.
Manage the humidity
To stop mold and mildew from growing, keep the humidity level between 30% and 50%. Use dehumidifiers in places with a lot of moisture, and think about using humidifiers when the air is too dry.
Properly store household chemicals
Cleaning products, paints, and cleaners should be kept in well-ventilated areas that are far from living areas. Make sure they are well sealed so that no vapors can get out.
Keep the place clean
To cut down on dust and allergens, clean and sweep your home often. Pay attention to things like carpets, curtains, furniture, and air vents that are often ignored. You might want to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to get rid of smaller bits.
Maintain HVAC systems
Check and fix your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on a regular basis to make sure they are working well. Replace filters when the maker says to if you want to catch dust and other pollutants well.
Put indoor plants in
Some indoor plants, like spider plants, peace flowers, and snake plants, naturally filter and clean the air, which can help improve the air quality. They can also give your living area a touch of nature.
Avoid extra moisture
To stop mold from growing in your home, fix any water leaks or wetness problems as soon as possible. Use exhaust fans when cooking or taking a shower, and wipe down areas that get wet to keep moisture from building up.
Clean your pets
To reduce the amount of cat dander and allergens in the air, brush and bathe your pets often. To reduce how much pets affect the air quality inside, wash their blankets often and think about giving them their own space.