17.03.2017
Importance of the Indoor Clean Air
Breathing clean air is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding exposure to harmful airbourne pollutants is not always easy. Outdoor pollutants such as industrial fumes, automotive exhaust and second hand smoke are somtimes difficult to avoid. In regards to Indoor air, we have the ability to control and manipulate the environment to a greater extent. One effective method is to use an air purifier which can assist in preventing contamination and emissions. Indoor air quality can be much more polluted than outdoor air accoring to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can safely remove almost all pollutants thus reducing health risks and assist with health maintance concerns.
Floating Dust
Replacing air filters and cleaning ventilation systems is a manditory step in maintaining clean indoor air. Another overlooked area of routine maintenance is to replace and/or clean dusters used for cleaning. Over time, dusters and ventilation systems can build up dust and actually increase the amount of contaminents circulating in the air.
Carpet and Upholstery
Regularly clean furniture and carpet to reduce potential air pollutants. Fibers can contain and hold various toxins which can be released into the air by simple movements on or near them. Flakes of human skin, pet dander, dust particles and other potential toxins need to be reduced and prevented when possible. Removing shoes outdoors is best but at least wiping shoes on exterior door mats before entering a home or office can also go a long way towards prevention of spreading contaminents. Replacement of old and dirty furniture, carpet and rugs is also recommended.
Pet Dander
Although it may not be an optimal solution, keeping pets to rooms with hard flooring may be the best preventative solution to reducing pet dander. If you allow pets into carpeted rooms in your home, restricting them from being on upholstered furniture should be required. Pet dander will hide in upholstery and carpet in addition to pet beds and other areas where pets typically spend most of thier time. Regular cleaning of these areas will go a long way towards maintaining a healthy environment for not only you, but your pet as well.
Other Chemicals and Odours
One obvious thing to avoid is smoke, typically from cigarettes and cigars. Smoking should be done outdoors in order to maintain a healthy indoor living environment. Avoiding second hand smoke may be difficult in certain settings and should be considered before entering certain areas. Smoke which lingers on other surfaces is sometimes referred to as third hand smoke and can typically be found in rugs, curtains, cloth furniture, rags and clothing. Cleaning these items after they have been exposed to smoke is necessary.
Other items in some households which may contaminate indoor air are:
- Cleaning products
- Fireplaces and Stoves
- Scented Candles and Incense
