Toxins in Indoor Air and Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
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Air pollution is a major health concern but many people do not realize that the air they breathe inside their homes and offices is threatening their health, not outdoor air pollution. Indoor air quality is often worse than outdoors as the levels of indoor air pollutants can be up to five times higher than outdoors. Airborne particles, gases, toxic chemicals and other substances that are released by various items can can cause headache, lung irritation and concentration difficulties, while people with asthma can experience breathing difficulties. The effects of poor indoor quality are short lasting and the symptoms related to exposure to polluted indoor air go away as soon as the air quality improves. However, prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality can seriously affect your health. |
The most common sources of indoor air pollution are airborne particles such as dust, mould spores, pollen, animal dander and various fumes released by indoor objects including furniture and electronics. But among the most common and most harmful indoor air pollutants are also chemicals which are used for cleaning and deodorizing rooms. They create a fresh smell and an illusion of fresh air but in reality, they further lower indoor air quality. What is more, some of the fumes released by cleaning agents and air fresheners have been identified as toxic, while some have even been proven to be carcinogen.
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If you really want to breathe fresh and clean air, you should stay away from chemical air fresheners and ventilate your home as often as possible. That way all the indoor air pollutants will go outside and fresh, clean air will come inside. However, if you have pollen allergy, frequent ventilation can be problematic during the pollen season because you will not let in only fresh air but pollen too. But rather than “refreshing” the air with an air freshener, invest in a quality air purifier. It removes the air pollutants and enables you to breathe a clean air without opening the windows. |
In addition to air purifiers, there are other ways to improve indoor air quality without ventilation. House plants are among the best and safest ways to create a cleaner and healthier indoor air as they absorb all the fumes and release pure oxygen. Just about all house plants help remove air pollutants but there are a few which are specially held as air purifiers such as rubber plant, peace Lily, Areca palm, Common Ivy and some others. In addition to purifying the air, they will liven up the space.
If you like the smell of deodorized air, there is good news because you can create just as pleasant smell without the use of chemical air fresheners. Rather than plugging in an air freshener, you can lit an essential oil burner which will create even more pleasant scent. Be sure, however, never to leave it unattended and do not let the candle burning after the water has evaporated completely.