5 Tips to Improving Indoor Air Quality

We typically think of pollution as being an outdoor problem, but research has shown that indoor pollution can be just as harmful, if not more harmful. Parents out there know how important it is for their children to be safe, but sometimes this “safety” is overlooked and often out of our control. We are exposed to hundreds of toxic chemicals, pesticides, PCBs, and all of these toxins have been found in the blood of newborns.

That being said, it should be more clear to see how important it is to improve your air quality. So, what can you do in your home to improve indoor air quality?

Here are our Top 5 Tips to improving air quality right away!

1. No More VOC’s. Avoid using paints that contain VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds.
2. Give up on Synthetic Scents. A common thing in households are the use of air fresheners  but many people overlook that these chemicals and synthetic fresheners can be highly toxic with their fragrance.
3. No Smoking. This may seem pretty obvious, but tobacco smoke can have a major impact on indoor air pollution. A cigarette can contain as much as 8,000 chemical compounds, and over 200 of them are known to be harmful – roughly 70 known to cause cancer. With exposure of secondhand smoke to children, infants, and young adults, they will be more susceptible to respiratory diseases, cancer, SIDS, as well as asthma. Start improving your environment and give up the filthy habit!
4. Bring on the Plants! A great way to help improve air quality in your home is to remove toxins with household plants. Many different varities of plants are able to exchange our carbon dioxide, and produce fresh oxygen, absorbing toxins such as benzene, oils, plastics, rubbers, formaldehyde, printer inks, adhesives, and much much more. NASA has recommended using 15 household plants in a 2,000 square foot household.
5. Get rid of Radon. Be sure to get your home tested for Radon. January is the most active month for testing radon. Radon is formed from breakdown of uranium in the soil in rock, soil, and water. Testing is simple, inexpensive, and will bring good peace of mind that your household is safe for you and your loved ones.

We hope this gave you some ideas on how to improve your household, and making your home a safer and greener place. Feel free to leave us a comment and contribute to some safer household tips you may know of!