How is the Air Quality in Your Home?

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

How is the Air Quality in Your Home?

When someone says air quality, what do you think about? What does air quality mean to you? Do you really know how the air quality is around you and in your home?

Well it turns out that our air quality inside our homes could be much more hazardous than the air quality outside. Through the years, homes are being built more air tight, to help with heating and cooling costs. Although, this is great for our energy bill, it does not allow our home to air out. When we trap in the hot or cool air, we are also trapping in pollutants and even potentially producing more pollutants.

Our home, which is where the average person spends the most time, is much more susceptible to having the most pollutants. Some of the more obvious pollutants are cleaning chemicals and pesticides. But did you know that pollutants can also come from cooking and bathing?

There are those who are more vulnerable to the indoor air pollution, than others, such as: children, people with asthma, the elderly, and pregnant women, but others could be effected years later, after repeated exposure.

Simple Steps to Improve the air quality in your home:

1. Keep your floors clean. By vacuuming your floor with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, you can suck up pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. In high traffic areas, vacuum the same spot several times. For best results, vacuum two or more times each week and wash out your filter regularly.

Putting a large floor mat at every door will help keep people from tracking in chemicals and dirt. A door mat reduces the amount of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from getting into your home. Also, removing your shoes when you enter your home is another effective way of keeping harsh pollutants out of your home.  

2. Keep your home at a healthy humidity level. Keeping humidity levels around 30% - 50% helps keep dust mites, mold, and other allergens under control. A dehumidifier in the winter and an air conditioner during the summer, will help reduce moisture and will effectively control allergens.

• When cooking or bathing, use an exhaust fan or open a window.
• Don’t overwater your houseplants.
• Fix any leaky plumbing to prevent mold.

3. Don’t smoke in your home. Cigarette smoke contains up to 4,000 chemicals. Smoking in your home can cause drastic effects in the air pollution in your home. If you do smoke, consider smoking outside.

4. Test for Radon. Radon is a radioactive gas, it comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. It can move up through the ground and into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation.

Whether, you have a new or old home, you may still be at risk for radon. If you suspect that your home is at risk for radon, testing is easy and inexpensive. The Environmental Protection Agency offers information on Radon Reduction.

5. Go Natural. Synthetic fragrances in laundry products and air fresheners emit dozens of different chemicals into the air. A simple way to eliminate the harsh chemicals in your home is to look for fragrance free or naturally scented products. To get that fresh scent in your kitchen you can you use fresh lemon or baking soda.

For more valuable information on the air quality in your home please visit www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/improving-indoor-air-quality.