Khaberni - Although outdoor air pollution is concerning, it can be easy to overlook that the quality of the air you breathe indoors is just as important.
The quality of the air in your home can negatively affect your health, for example, unexplained respiratory symptoms may indicate that it's time to check the air quality in your living space.
Air purification
However, according to "Healthline", you can take steps to improve this air quality, including using an air purifier, reducing allergens and pollutants, and perhaps even adding indoor plants.
Higher levels of indoor air pollutants can lead to health effects, including allergies, asthma, heart diseases, and possibly cancer.
Steps to improve air quality
Taking steps to improve indoor air quality helps reduce the risk of illness and can improve the quality of life.
1. Reducing pollutants
Identifying common pollution sources and avoiding adding pollutants as much as possible is an important way to keep indoor air clean.
Some common indoor air pollutants include:
Secondhand smoke
The term "secondhand smoke" refers to exhaled cigarette smoke. Anyone exposed to it may be at a higher risk of health problems, including certain types of cancer. Secondhand smoke, which can also linger on surfaces like clothing or furniture, poses a health hazard.
The best way to keep secondhand smoke out of your living space is to avoid smoking indoors. Reducing this habit is a good idea, as the secondhand smoke on your clothes can impact your living space and air quality.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a common volatile organic compound (VOC), and it is one of the many harmful gases that can sometimes be emitted from common household items.
This compound is typically found in adhesives used in composite wood and many types of furniture, and it can seep into indoor air. Excessive exposure to it can cause respiratory problems, including bronchitis.
Reducing the effects of formaldehyde
You can reduce the effects of formaldehyde on air quality by:
• Choosing used furniture instead of new, as furniture tends to release less formaldehyde over time.
• Opting for furniture made from solid wood instead of composite wood.
• Ventilating homes well.
Cleaning products
Some cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that may linger in the air, including:
• Glass cleaners.
• Air fresheners.
• Bleaches.
• Cleaning sprays.
Choosing safer and non-toxic cleaning products helps keep your home clean without the extra pollutants found in some conventional cleaning products.
