Prevent Indoor Air Pollution
To prevent indoor air pollution, you should vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly at least once a week. More often if you have pet cats and dogs indoors.
The best type of vacuum cleaner has has a dirt cup, and not a paper bag to collect the dirt and dust in. A dirt cup can be emptied after each use. A bag, on the other hand, is used repeatedly until it’s filled up. In the meantime, as the bag fills, the suctioning action of your vacuum is reduced.
Indoor air pollution affects everyone. But people who suffer from respiratory problems, allergies, or wear contact lens feel the effects the most. Common symptoms of indoor air pollution include headaches, sneezing, coughing, fatigue, congestion, sore throat, dizziness, and upset stomach.
Another source of indoor air pollution you may not be aware of is dry-cleaned clothing. The chemicals that commercial dry cleaners use are toxic. To prevent indoor air pollution, don’t immediately place dry cleaned clothing in your closet. Instead, remove the plastic and hang the items up outside for a day or so. Then, re-cover the clothing with the protective plastic and hang them in your closet.
If you don’t already have plants in your home, you should consider getting some. Plants such as Boston Ferns, Areca Palm, English Ivy, the Peace Lily, Australian Sword Fern, and Rubber Plants are considered to work the best. Research by the NASA Space Program has shown that plants actually help remove toxins from the air in your home.
To help prevent indoor air pollution, the rule of thumb is placing one plant in every ten square yards of floor space.
Most household cleaners also contain toxic chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution. Two of the worst offenders are household bleach and ammonia. Instead of using these harmful products, try using natural cleaning alternatives such as baking soda, vinegar, and salt instead.
Carbon Monoxide, which is produced by home furnaces and by gas-fueled cooking stoves and hot water heaters, kills more than two thousand people a year. It’s known as the “The Silent Killer” because you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. To prevent indoor air pollution, and the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, have your furnace and gas-fueled appliances serviced annually by a professional. He can make sure they are working properly and make any needed repairs.
You can also help protect yourself and your family by buying Carbon Monoxide Monitors. For the best protection, every level of your home should have one. A Carbon Monoxide Monitor works much like a smoke detector does. It has a loud alarm to alert you of the presence of carbon monoxide in the air.
And finally, to help prevent indoor air pollution inside your home, open the windows and let the fresh air in. If this isn’t possible, then consider buying an electronic air cleaner. The best brands are rather pricey, but the cost is worth it when it comes to improving your health.
Electronic air cleaners are superior to other types. Because, they are more efficient at removing dust and other pollution from the air.
