High indoor air quality is vital for good respiratory health, especially so for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions who may get sickened by pollutants. Volatile organic compounds emitted as gasses from various household products and off gassing building materials are a source of indoor air pollution, as are emissions from stoves, heaters, fireplaces and chimneys.
Protect your health by improving the indoor air quality in these four ways: Reduce Emissions and Plug Leaks Emissions from gas-fueled combustion appliances, particulates from wood-burning fireplaces and exhaust from cars running in close proximity to the house pollute indoor air. Combustion products emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particles into the air when not properly maintained.
These products include: Space heaters Gas stoves Improperly sized wood-burning stoves Old and unmaintained furnaces Chimneys and flues Keep a door or window open near space heaters that burn kerosene or gasoline to prevent buildup of emissions in enclosed areas. Gas stoves should have overhead exhaust fans, and the burners should be properly adjusted to avoid persistent yellow-tipped flames that can increase pollutants. Control wood-stove emissions with tight-fitting and tightly closed doors, and only burn aged or dried wood. Properly inspect and maintain furnaces and chimneys for blockages, leaks, damage and cracks, and have them repaired and tested for safe use and operation.
Houseplants NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America have studied houseplants for cleaning indoor air, and they found plants that filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Grow the following easy-care plants indoors to clean your air, especially in homes that are sealed in winter and summer for heating and air conditioning: Aloe vera clears benzene and formaldehyde that can result from cleaning agents and paints Spider plants clear benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene Snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue is good at clearing formaldehyde from cleaning products Golden pothos clears formaldehyde Flowering plants good for air cleaning include Gerbera daisy, chrysthanemums and azalea or rhododendron Natural Cleaning Agents Chemicals in cleaning products can burn skin and constrict lungs and breathing. Avoid chemical-based cleaning products as much as possible, and use natural cleaning agents that don’t emit fumes.
Avoid aerosol cleaners and opt for pumped products instead. Try these natural cleaning agents: Vinegar and baking soda to clean toilets, sinks and counters Liquid soap used in a spray bottle for multi-purpose cleaning Tea tree oil mixed with water in a spray bottle to remove mold and mildew Fresh lemon juice as a disinfectant and to shine surfaces Old newspaper crumpled up and used with sprayed water cleans mirrors, ceramic and stainless steel surfaces Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Some indoor air pollutants are odorless, such as carbon monoxide. There are air quality monitoring devices, similar to smoke alarms, that notify residents of dangerous air toxins like carbon monoxide.
Monitoring air quality in your home increases your awareness of indoor pollution levels and lets you know when immediate action is needed. Many security services protect your home by offering free carbon monoxide monitoring with their alarm system services.
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
Some indoor air pollutants are odorless, such as carbon monoxide. There are air quality monitoring devices, similar to smoke alarms, that notify residents of dangerous air toxins like carbon monoxide. Monitoring air quality in your home increases your awareness of indoor pollution levels and lets you know when immediate action is needed. Many security services protect your home by offering free carbon monoxide monitoring with their alarm system services.
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