Did you know that the air inside your cozy home or lively office could be up to five times more polluted than the air outside? Sounds surprising, right? It's a little-known fact from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that catches many off-guard. So let's dive into this hidden world of indoor air pollution, and uncover some easy-peasy solutions and tips to breathe cleaner and healthier air.
Indoor air pollution is made up of tiny, harmful things that float around inside our homes or offices. This could be dust, pet hair, mold, chemicals from household products, and gases like radon and carbon monoxide.
These small nasties can cause health problems like allergies, breathing troubles, and even some types of cancer. Most of us spend a lot of time indoors, so it's really important to keep our indoor air clean.
Cleaning up indoor air is easier than you might think! Here's how you can do it:
The easiest way to clean indoor air is to let in some fresh air. Open your windows and doors when you can, especially when you're using things that can dirty the air like paint or cleaning products.
Air purifiers are machines that help clean the air. They have special filters called HEPA filters that catch even the tiniest particles. Some purifiers also have activated carbon that can help catch gases and smells.
A clean home is a healthier home. Regular cleaning, like dusting and vacuuming, can help get rid of dust and allergens. It's best to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, so you're not just moving the dust around.
Many everyday items can dirty our indoor air. Try to use fewer things like aerosol sprays, candles, and some cleaning products. Go for natural, green alternatives when you can.
Plants can help clean the air. They take in harmful stuff and give out clean oxygen. Some good air-cleaning plants are the spider plant, English ivy, and snake plant.
Your trusty smartphone can also lend a hand in helping you clean up your indoor air! Here are a few apps that you should check out:
This cool app pairs with an air monitor to keep you in the loop about your indoor air quality. It helps you keep an eye on tiny particles, CO2, temperature, and humidity levels in your space.
While it's mainly for outdoor air, this app is a neat way to decide when to air out your home or go out for a walk or play.
This app pairs with an air quality monitor to check your indoor air for various pollutants. It gives you personalized tips and suggestions to improve your air based on what the monitor finds.