Indoor Air Quality - Can You Breathe Easy?

The Environmental Protection Agency, suggestsEnsure that all systems, as well as fire places are
that Indoor Air Quality is up to 5 times moresufficiently flued.
polluted than the air outdoors, and in some cases,3. Eliminate Chemical Substances. There are plenty
this figure is considerably higher. As the majorityof environmentally friendly, green cleaning
of people spend up to 90% of their time indoors,products available on the market. Alternatively, go
you might like to stop and wonder what impactback to the basics of your grandparents'
this is having on your health and well-being.generation for keeping the house clean. You will be
If you are suffering from any of the followingamazed at what you can do with some
symptoms, and have not been able to determinebicarbonate of soda and vinegar! That way, you
the cause, it may be worth looking at your Indoornot only save money, you avoid polluting the
Air Quality.environment, and you can protect you and your
• Flu like symptomsfamily from the negative effects of toxic
• Headacheschemicals in your home.
• Difficulty concentrating4. Natural Building Materials. Avoiding synthetic and
• Lethargychemically treated products will help to reduce the
• Dizzinessrisk of compromising your Indoor Air Quality. For
• Nauseaexample, use low V.O.C paints on walls. 'Natural' is
• Sinus problemsa word that is sometimes overly abused, so the
• Eye irritationskey here, is to do your research. Many companies
• Chronic respiratory problems, Asthmainclude the word 'natural' into their marketing,
• Eczema and skin irritationsalthough it does not necessarily mean that the
• Feeling 'under the weather'product is completely natural.
There are a number of factors that can5. Clean Your Home Regularly. This can go a long
compromise your Indoor Air Quality. They mayway towards reducing the problems associated
include:with poor Indoor Air Quality, caused by dust, dust
• Inadequate ventilationmites, animal dander, pollen and mold, etc. It may
• Insufficiently maintained heating/coolingbe worth considering the benefits of investing in a
systemsHEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
• Chemical substances. For example,6. Air Purifiers. Air Purification Systems assist in
household cleaning solutionsremoving contaminants from the air. Other ways
• Synthetic building materials, finishes andto purify the air in your home include:
paints (releasing toxic compounds)• House plants such as Areca Palms and
• Animal danderPeace Lilies assist in removing harmful toxins from
• Dust and dust mitesthe air.
• Pollen• Natural beeswax candles clean the air
• Smokingnaturally and emit healthy ions (similar to the air
Rest assured there are measures that you canyou breathe by the ocean, or on a mountain).
take to improve your Indoor Air Quality.• Himalayan Salt lamps. As the salt is heated,
1. Improve Ventilation. Opening your windows andit produces healthy ions.
switching ceiling fans on can greatly improve the7. Smoke Detectors. Install combination smoke
quality of the air indoors. Adequate ventilation isalarms/carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon
particularly important in wet areas, such asmonoxide is a toxic gas that can be produced by
bathrooms.faulty household appliances such as gas heaters.
2. Service Heating/Cooling Systems Regularly. The8. Avoid Smoking In The Home.
manufacturer's instructions will guide you in caringTaking the above steps can go a long way
for, and maintaining your system. Also, make suretowards improving your Indoor Air Quality.
that you have your system serviced regularly.