When it comes to air quality, most people think about outdoor air quality in the environment, such as smog or haze from pollution. However, the truth is that the air inside our homes may be more subject for concern compared to outside air. In short, your home can be polluted by materials like lead, fire-retardants, formaldehyde, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Indoor air quality is critically important in maintaining a healthy home. While everyone should be conscious about the air quality in their homes, dwellings with elderly people or children are especially sensitive to maintaining optimal air quality. When it comes to improving indoor air quality, these are a few of the steps you can take.
1. Use a Good Vacuum
When it comes to air quality, the vacuum that you use plays a large role in air quality. Chemicals and allergens easily accumulate in household dust. Use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to reduce lead, VOCs, pet dander, and other air pollutants. It’s also a good idea to use a vacuum that has a strong suction and rotating brushes. For the best results, make sure to vacuum a few times a week and change or wash the filter regularly.
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2. Install Low-VOC Flooring
When it comes to the air quality, the floors in your home make a significant impact. Certain types of flooring, even hardwood can contain harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde in addition to other VOCs. For this, the best way to remove harmful compounds from your home is to upgrade to a low-VOC flooring. Certain types of engineered hardwood flooring have avoided using these harmful compounds. Always look into your flooring choices to improve air quality indoors.
3. Detect Radon and Carbon Monoxide
Whether you have a new or older house, radon and carbon monoxide are odorless gasses that can have a gradual but serious implications on your health. As for radon, this radioactive gas comes up through the ground and can be in your home without your realizing that there’s a problem.Â
Testing for both radon and carbon monoxide is easy and, if it’s detected, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and eliminate these gasses from entering your home’s environment. Get tested and treated as needed, and always have a trustworth detector in place that will pick-up on any radon or carbon monoxide present in the air. Even newer homes can have radon, so every home should be tested and equipped with a detector.
4. Use Natural Air Fresheners
Although you may want your home to smell good, have you ever noticed that synthetic fragrances can cause harm? In one compelling study, a plug-in air freshener was found to contain 20 different VOCs. You may be using a fragrance that’s causing problems without your knowledge. Instead of using these synthetic fragrances, look for either fragrance-free or naturally scented products. Having plants in your home also works as a natural air freshener. Natural deodorizers such as sliced lemons and baking soda can also be used throughout the house to get a clean scent without causing harm.
When it comes to air quality in the home, keep in mind that this is not a small problem. Since people are spending more time indoors in recent decades, the pollution in the home can cause serious harm, especially if left untreated. The good news is that this problem can be addressed effectively with changes to cleaning and basic structures in the home. Use these simple but effective tips to address air quality in the house.