We usually think of air pollution as toxic smog or haze outdoors; however, the air inside our homes can be even more hazardous than outside. Today, we spend more time indoors than in any other time in history; and our buildings are tightly sealed. But we are consistently tracking in pollutants, like dust mites and pet dander, or unconsciously bringing them directly into our homes through conventional cleaners, new mattresses and furniture or paint.
There are several things we can do to maintain healthier air quality in our homes, from the time we pick up our keys to the front door to once we’re finally all settled in.
Keys to Consider
First, let’s start with the more obvious solutions. You can get an air purifier. There is a wide range to choose from, including small units to extensive house-wide systems. The options that is right for your home will depend on many factors. So, do your research and be sure to check out the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers’ (AHAM) seal of approval.
What Affects air Quality at Home?
Most new homeowners are excited to start splashing their personal style all over their new house. Whether you are just purchasing a few new pieces of furniture or tearing down walls, you’ll need to consider how these changes will affect the health of your air quality.
If you are purchasing new furniture, like a mattress or couch, be sure to do some research as to whether these items are toxic or chemical free before bringing them into your home.
If you’re planning to renovate, consider choosing hard-surface flooring rather than dirt and dander ensnaring carpet. Pick easier to clean blinds over dust sucking curtains. Make sure the products you choose, such as cabinets and paint, are toxin free. And when decorating, add houseplants and find nontoxic candles like unscented soy ones.
The Nose Knows
When it comes to refreshing the scent of your home, there are a few things that may shock you. Many common air fresheners contain harmful pollutants. One study found a plug-in air freshener emitted seven volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are marked as toxic or hazardous by United States federal laws. These seven are part of 20 other VOCs that were also found. These toxins are only required to be labeled as “fragrance” on the product.
Petroleum products that are used in most fragrances have not generally been tested for toxic inhalation, rather the tests focus on skin irritations. A group of chemicals called phthalates, which are also commonly found in fragrances, do raise many health concerns. Even laundry products, including detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets, emit dozens of concerning chemicals.
All Natural Solutions
However, there are many ways you can improve the scent of your space without unleashing these harmful chemicals.
Simply open a window or use a filtered air-conditioning system if outdoor allergens are a concern.
Use food based air fresheners such simmering a pot of cinnamon and cloves, sliced lemon, baking soda, or looking for pure essential oils.
Find naturally-scented or fragrance-free laundry products.
Use all natural cleaning products and stop using aerosol sprays for fragrance, cleaning and beauty products.
Introduce some greenery. Remember, plants are nature’s best air purifier and can spruce up any area.
Getting Settled
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is vital to keeping healthy air quality.
Heating and cooling systems need to have the filters checked and replaced regularly. Electrostatic filters use an electric charge to capture more particles than average filters; so you may think about looking into these.
Test for radon, whether your house is old or new. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that significantly raises the risk of lung cancer. Radon is second only to cigarette smoke as the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This radioactive gas comes from the natural decay of uranium found in soil and invades a home through cracks in the foundation. Radon testing is easy to perform, cheap to buy and only takes a few minutes. If radon is a problem, the solutions can be simple and relatively inexpensive.
Daily Maintenance
In addition to these, there is daily maintenance practices you can employ.
When cooking, cleaning or painting, be sure to ventilate by opening a window and/or using a vent - even when it’s cold out. Vapors, grease and smoke can land a punch in ideal air quality.
Speaking of cleaning, do so regularly. This will decrease allergens, irritants and toxins. Don’t forget the annoying-to-reach places like baseboards, ceiling fans and the tops of appliances.
Remember our mention of harmful aerosols and toxic cleaning supplies? Your best bet is to use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA filter). This can help reduce the levels of pollen, pet dander, dust mites and toxins like lead and fire-retardant chemicals. Mopping with a microfiber mop can grab the bits that vacuuming may leave behind.
Don’t forget to launder large fabrics such as bedding, drapery and fabric shower curtains often. These should also be washed before first use to remove the chemicals they harbor from the manufacturing process.
Rules of the House
While laying out the welcome mat, also lay down a few ground rules to keep all your air quality efforts in place. Use large floor mats at entry ways. Remove your shoes and ask visitors to do the same. Otherwise, you run the risk of tracking in dirt, pesticides and other pollutants. Place a basket of slippers by your front door and offer them to your guests to keep them cozy while visiting.
If you or any company you may have smoke cigarettes, make this an outside activity. We all know the risks of smoking and secondhand smoke. But, to drive the point home, remember that cigarette smoke has more than 4,000 chemicals in it. Research has plainly outlined the risks of secondhand smoke to children, including the increased chance of developing asthma, ear and respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and even cancer. For the person with the addition, they have an increased risk of cancer, breathing issues, heart attacks and stroke. If you are a smoker, or love someone who is, please look into treatment options.
As for smoke in a fireplace, find cured or dried wood in place of pressure-treated varieties. Be sure to have your chimney and flue cleaned and inspected at least once a year or as needed to insure it is sound. This is according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) as stated by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 211.
On a lighter note, let’s address our furry, four legged members of the family. Be sure to bathe and groom your pets as often as needed. If dander and fur are a problem, maybe you can keep your beloved pet off furniture and beds.
Home Safe Home
Sound like a lot of work? It may seem overwhelming at first, especially after riding the rollercoaster of purchasing a new home. But, can you put a price on the quality of the air you breath day in and out? When you consider the potential health risks, you’ll likely fall into healthy air quality habits easily as you settle into your new home.
This guest post is written by Ross Quade. Ross lives with his family in Austin, TX and writes about finance and topics related to the home.