Khaberni - Although outdoor air pollution is a concern, it can be easy to overlook that the quality of the air you breathe indoors is no less 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 may lead to health effects, including allergies, asthma, heart diseases, and potentially 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 method to maintain clean indoor air.
Some common indoor air pollutants include:
Secondhand Smoke
The term "secondhand smoke" refers to cigarette smoke emitted from exhalation. Anyone exposed to it may be at a higher risk for health problems, including certain types of cancer. Also, secondhand smoke, which is absorbed by surfaces such as clothing or furniture, poses a health risk.
The best way to keep secondhand smoke out of your living space is to avoid smoking indoors. Also, reducing this habit is a good idea, as secondhand smoke on your clothes can affect your living space and air quality.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a common volatile organic compound (VOC), and one of the many harmful gases sometimes emitted from common household appliances.
This compound is typically found in adhesives used in composite wood and many types of furniture, and can seep into indoor air. Excessive exposure to it can cause respiratory issues, including bronchitis.
Reducing Effects of Formaldehyde
You can reduce the effects of formaldehyde on air quality by:
• Choosing used furniture instead of new, as furniture tends to emit less formaldehyde over time.
• Opting for furniture made of solid wood rather than composite wood.
• Ensuring good ventilation in homes.
Cleaning Products
Some cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that may remain in the air, including:
• Glass cleaners.
• Air fresheners.
• Bleaches.
• Cleaning sprays.
Choosing safer and non-toxic cleaning products helps maintain your home's cleanliness, without the extra pollutants found in some regular cleaning products.
