It is estimated that most people spend about 90% of their time indoors. This includes time spent at work, school, and of course, at home. Because of the amount of time we spend inside, the quality of the air we breathe should be a major concern for all of us. In fact, indoor air pollution is something every home in America struggles with, and dealing with the issue isn’t getting any easier.
- Low air quality in your home can have a big effect on your health, and mood.
- Low quality air can be caused by a number of factors such as pollution from the outside, poor building materials as well as emissions from heating and appliances.
- Poor indoor air quality has been linked to asthma, fatigue and lung disease.
Let's look at ways to improve this!
1. Ventilate
Airflow is crucial for good indoor air quality. Getting airflow through your house will remove stagnant air and refresh the interior air. One option is to simply open the doors and windows of your home to rejuvenate the indoor air quality.
Of course, if you live in a crowded city, the air outside might be very unpleasant and potentially toxic. In this case choose the time of day wisely, early morning or late evening when traffic levels are at their lowest is the best time.
Many typical household activities, such as cooking or showering, can have a negative impact on your home’s indoor air quality. Without an effective ventilation system, you run the risk of harboring these indoor pollutants for weeks at a time. Poor ventilation can raise indoor pollutant levels by not efficiently cycling out the pollution from indoor sources and cycling in the outdoor air to weaken emissions from indoor sources.
2. Keep your AC clean
Air conditioners can really help improve air quality in your home by drying the air in your home out and refreshing the stale air.
Almost all air conditioners contain a type of filter that cleans the air, removing impurities and pollens.
Like all filters in your home, it's critical to regularly clean these filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Keep your sheets and clothes clean
Dust mites are a leading cause of poor air quality. They can irritate your nose and throat leaving you feeling tired and lethargic.
Dust mites can often linger in the fabric of your homes such as bedding, cushions, and curtains. It is important that you clean these items regularly in low allergenic washing soap.
If you have pets ensure that they keep off your bed and sofas to minimize the build-up of hair!
4. Beeswax candles are perfect air purifiers
Beeswax candles have air purifying qualities, as these candles burn they release negative ions.
Pollen, dust, dirt, pollutants, and any other junk in the air carry a positive charge, so when a beeswax candle is burning the negative ions released into the air cause these positively charged particles to be sucked into the candles or to fall from suspension.
This negative ion air charging is the way many air purifiers work.
Beeswax candles are 100% natural and not only reduce contaminants in your home, they smell good and create a wonderful ambiance too.
5. Salt lamps can help with your asthma
If burning candles in your home isn’t your thing, you can achieve the same effect by having a salt lamp.
These lamps, which are created by putting a light source into a large mass of Himalayan salt, emit negative ions when lit.
These negative ions will help fight against the positively charged particles and contaminants that cause allergies.
People with asthma have reported that salt lamps have helped to reduce their symptoms.
Now, let's take action and take care of ourselves and those around us!