Air Quality Vs. Your Health

Many people seem to assume that air pollution is a problem that only happens outside

. But oftentimes, indoor air quality can actually be worse than outdoor air quality due to improper ventilation. In other words, it is about creating good and clean air flow throughout a home or building.

One factor which impacts the quality of indoor air is the cleanliness of the ductwork through which it must pass. Duct cleaning is not something most people do as a normal part of their regular household chores. But if they value their health, they really should periodically clean the duct work or have it cleaned professionally. Asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems are on the rise in the U.S. at the exact same time that people are generally spending more time indoors. Ironically, they are probably spending time indoors in part due to concerns about air pollution. It wasn't that many years ago that it was common to sleep with the windows.

Mold Issues

When air is too moist, it can foster mold growth, which can significantly degrade air quality. For such climates, a dehumidifier may help improve the quality of breathing air. On the other hand, air that is too dry can be hard on the respiratory system. In excessively dry climates, a whole house humidification system can help. Especially at high altitudes, overly dry air can promote the incidence of nosebleeds and asthma attacks. Increasing the indoor humidity can relieve such symptoms. The key is to find a happy medium depending on your specific locations and any allergens that may be present.

Cleaning Air Naturally

Additionally, some houseplants can help improve indoor air quality. Any plants will help by giving off oxygen, but some plants do far more by also absorbing high levels of pollutants. Aloe Vera is one of the top five household plants for cleaning the air. Because it is a desert plant, it requires relatively little water or other attention, making it an excellent choice for anyone whose primary goal in purchasing a plant is to clean the air. However, it may not do well in overly cold environments. This includes situations where the air conditioner is set too cold.

Flooring Choices

For people with chronic respiratory conditions, it may be beneficial to go the extra mile and replace all carpeting with wood and tile flooring. Believe it or not, carpets can actually be dirtier than the roads we drive on. Of course, not everyone is in a position to take such measures. If one is in a rental and thus unable to remove carpeting, preventive measures, like removing shoes at the front door, can help.

Some other tips which can help: Dust and vacuum frequently. Get rid of purely decorative dried plants. Throw out old magazines. Do not let the mail stack up. In fact, it can be a good thing to pitch any junk mail before the mail is brought into the house at all. Switch from upholstered furniture to either wood or leather. Go through closets and donate or throw out anything you really aren't using anymore. Check for mold around sinks, bathtubs or any other water sources.

by: Northern Comfort

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