Clean Up Your Air

Did you know that indoor air is far more polluted than outdoor air? We spend almost 90 percent of our time indoors so improving our homes air quality can also improve our health.

The air that we breathe everyday can harbor serious pollutants with both short and long-term health effects. We hear a lot about outside air pollutants, but in fact, federal scientist rank indoor air pollution as one of the most important environmental problems in the United States.

Indoor air pollution can cause eye and throat irritation and headaches in the short term, and respiratory disease and cancer over time. It’s important to understand and eliminate sources of indoor air pollution. It can make an enormous difference to your home’s overall health.

Here are some simple tips to keep your indoor air clean~

Control The Sources of Pollution

•    Banish cigarettes and pipes

•    Wipe your feet on the doormat or, even better, take off your shoes at the entryway.

•    Don’t use pesticides in your yard or garden. They can be tracked into your home. Choose instead to use the organic options.

•    Use natural, non-toxic cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda and borax.

•    Vacuum, mop and dust your home weekly. Wash bedding weekly

•    Use no-VOC paints and sealers. Avoid plywood with added urea-formaldehyde or seal with a non-toxic sealer to prevent offgassing.

•    Never leave your car, lawn mower or other fuel-burning appliance running in the attached garage.

Breathe Cleaner

•    Use exhaust fans with outside vents and open then windows while bathing and cooking.

•    In places where there are extreme temperatures, consider installing a heat/energy recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV) for a constant supply of fresh air without excessive energy use.

•    When the weather is nice outside, open the windows and doors! This helps to remove pollutants and moisture. High moisture especially in warm areas can lead to mold and mildew.

Please share any ideas that you have for improving your homes air quality!