5 Steps To Improve The Indoor Air Quality Of Your Home

Five Steps To Improve The Indoor Air Quality Of Your Home

​Indoor air pollution vs outdoor air pollution:

Indoor air pollution can be more of an issue than we are instinctually aware of, and most of us are at risk. This occurs in our homes, workplaces, restaurants and other built environments.

​Outdoor air pollution is commonly discussed; the effects of vehicle, industrial, and agricultural emissions. Pollution is repeatedly mentioned in the news, on television, social media, with stories of pesticides and hazardous factory chemicals being found in water supply, and several cases of fires and oil spills. 

We humans spend approximately 90% of our time indoors; 65% of that time is in our homes. Here in Arizona, we are at particularly at risk because pollutants tend to increase and concentrate with higher temperatures. 

Infants and the elderly are the most at risk population and susceptible to health problems due to indoor pollution. Health problems associated with indoor air pollution range from fatigue, sneezing, headaches, dizziness- all the way to upper respiratory disease, stroke, lung cancer, and ischemic heart disease.

When filters are dirty, poorly maintained or old they fail to filter outdoor pollution like pesticides, allergens and dirt from the indoors. Consequently our lungs act as a new filter. They also fail to filter dust, carbon monoxide from stoves, household cleaning fumes, pet dander, hair, old building or furnishing materials, and other particles from indoors. Poorly maintained air units and filters can negatively affect a person’s health, comfort, and ability to work and care for their family.

5 Ways to Improve the Indoor Air Quality of Your Home

1. Install a 4” HEPA filter and remove the restrictive 1” pleated filters. Replace air filters      every few months 

2. Install a UV filter to kill 99.9% bacteria, mold and spores

3. Don’t allow the visible buildup of dust. Dust often in all places; including tricky areas      like the ceiling fan and under the couch

4. Avoid using cleaning products with harmful chemicals; use natural cleaners

5. Install a CO meter if you have a gas stove to make sure your stove isn’t emitting            excess carbon monoxide

Take these steps to improve your indoor air quality, lower indoor pollution, and live a happier and healthier life with your furry friends. 

To find out more ways to increase your indoor air quality for you and your animal friends check out this article by Comfy Corner!