How can you improve the air quality of your indoor environment using natural methods?
This article will discuss the importance and natural ways to maintain good indoor air. The need for clean, healthy air indoors is becoming more important as our homes and offices become increasingly sealed from the outside environment. The discussion will cover why it is important, how to achieve this naturally and provide additional tips for specific situations.
Improve Indoor Air Quality - Importance
The importance of indoor air quality to our health is often overlooked. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans spend 90 percent of the time inside, where pollutants can be two to five-times higher than outdoor levels. A poor indoor air quality over time can cause allergies, respiratory issues, heart disease, and other health problems. Improving indoor air quality does not only mean creating a more comfortable atmosphere, it also means protecting our health.
What to consider before you start:
It's important to know what causes poor indoor air before you embark on a journey to improve it. Dust mites and mold spores are common culprits. Pet dander is another. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology published a study that revealed certain indoor activities such as cooking and cleaning could significantly increase the fine particulate matters, leading to poor air quality. Awareness and modifying these indoor activities will help improve air quality.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Natural Methods
- NASA's Clean Air Study has found that some houseplants are able to remove toxic substances from the air.
- Opening windows regularly allows for fresh air to enter and circulate indoor air. This reduces the concentration of pollutants.
- Beeswax Candles: Instead of paraffin, beeswax releases negative ions that can help bind with toxic substances and remove them from air.
- As with beeswax, salt lamps release negative ions that help to purify the atmosphere.
- Charcoal activated: Also called "activated carbon", it is highly porous, and can remove toxins in the air.
- Bamboo Charcoal: A natural odor absorber.
- Natural cleaning products: Switching from conventional cleaning products to organic cleaning products will reduce the amount of VOCs that are released in your home.
- Some essential oils, such as tea tree or eucalyptus, have antibacterial qualities that help to clean the air.
- Natural alternatives are better than synthetic ones. Synthetic scents release toxic chemicals in the air.
- Keep a good level of moisture: too much can promote mold growth while not enough can cause respiratory discomfort. Ideal humidity levels are between 30- 50% .
Improve Indoor Air Quality with These Tips
In addition to the methods mentioned above, adopting good habits like regular vacuuming and dusting, using exhaust fans when bathing or cooking, and properly maintaining your HVAC systems are also important. Air purifying devices, particularly those with HEPA filter, can be beneficial for your home. They are able to capture tiny particulates.
Conclusion
It is important to improve indoor air quality in a natural way. This will help create a more healthy living and work environment. We can improve the indoor air quality by understanding the factors that contribute to a poor quality air and using natural remedies to combat them. A cleaner environment indoors leads to a healthier population.
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