When people think about air pollution, most of them picture huge industrial chimneys, an array of car exhaust pipes and smog covering the city landscape. However, the truth is that indoor pollution is actually from five to one hundred times higher than average outdoor pollution. And when you take into consideration that modern humans, kids especially, spend up to 90% of their time indoors, you start realizing the importance of having better indoor air quality. With this in mind, take a look at these tips for fighting indoor air pollution and ensuring optimal air quality for your children.
Know thy enemy
First things first, you have to get familiar with the thing you’re trying to fight. Recognizing the source of the pollution is half the battle. The most common sources of indoor air pollution are chemical products, different building materials, organic matter and outdoor pollutants that get inside.
Clean your windows
It might look totally unrelated, but windows play a significant role in your indoor air quality. They absorb a lot of moisture from the air, which can lead to the growth of fungus, especially Cladosporium, which affects the indoor air quality. Pay special attention to the windows in your kids’ rooms, since younglings are more sensitive to mold.
Keep moisture at bay
Humidity itself can boost the concentration of indoor air pollutants in general. High humidity keeps the air full of water which is perfect for mold and mildew growth. Thus, humidity should be kept between 30 and 50%. You can keep it at the optimal level with a humidifier if you need to increase it, and by opening your windows and using your AC if you need to decrease it.
Check for radon
Many homes contain radon, a naturally occurring gas that can have many different effects on the human respiratory system and general wellbeing. So, get a do-it-yourself radon test kit and test your home. If you get positive results, make sure to call a qualified radon mitigation specialist to rid your home of this harmful gas.
Stay away from VOCs
One of the most widespread indoor air pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. They are usually found in paints, cleaning products, building materials, furniture and adhesives. VOCs can cause nausea, headaches, allergic reactions, and nose, eye and throat irritation. One super easy way to free the air from VOCs is to use an air conditioner. Most people, especially those who live in warm climates like Australia, already own one and use it quite often. Aside from keeping you cool, your AC can circulate the indoor air as well as filter it. However, you have to maintain your AC to ensure it’s working properly. You can get excellent air conditioning in Concord together with maintenance services that will ensure your unit works efficiently and has a long life. You can also switch to using low- or zero-VOC paint and make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients.
Use air filters
You can also consider investing in HEPA air purifiers, especially if you have young children and family members with allergies. These air purifiers can catch even the smallest particles, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and pollen. They are very effective and remove up to 99% of air contaminants, making your air significantly cleaner and healthier. Their placement will dictate their efficiency, but they usually do a good job regardless.
Change your habits
You have to realize that some of your habits also play a crucial role in your air quality. For instance, second-hand smoke is one of the most common and most dangerous pollutants since it contains over 200 different poisons and chemicals that can seriously affect your health and even cause cancer. So, don’t ever smoke indoors and try to protect your kids from being exposed to second-hand smoke. You can also pay attention to the way you prepare food. When you fry food, you send tiny fat droplets into the air. Scientists are still not sure how harmful breathing them in actually is, but it certainly isn’t harmless.
So next time you’re pondering air pollution, don’t forget to pay extra attention to indoor air quality and the effect it has on your little bundles of joy. Don’t allow air pollutants to fill your home and endanger your children’s health. Instead, employ these air pollution fighting techniques and sleep peacefully knowing that your kids are safe and healthy inside their home.