This is how you can improve indoor air quality (6 steps)

We often hear about air pollution and the really bad ways it impacts public health. But how often do we stop and think about the quality of the air inside our homes? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) things like stoves, heaters, pressed wood items, secondhand smoke and pesticides could all negatively impact indoor air quality – and that’s not the entire list!

The Guardian reports that exposure to air pollution over a long period of time can lead to depression and anxiety.

For out mental and physical health let’s look at some simple steps to boost the indoor air quality in your home. All while working to lower the risk of developing health conditions – and maybe – improve your quality of life.

Crack open those windows

Let’s start off with something easy: opening doors and windows. This simple act can push fresh air into your space and move potential contaminants out.

Even in Winter, letting some fresh air in is healthy. On this point though, letting too much of that icy, cold air into your home may be bad for your chest. Make sure you close some windows when you go sleep.

Use an air purifier

An air purifier can help reduce potential contaminants and irritants, and in this way, improve air quality.

Using a high quality air purifier can trap some of the dust and pollen that trigger allergic symptoms. Despite its superpowers, an air purifier cannot eliminate all of the problems. They are better suited at capturing things like pollen and dust, but are effective enough in removing allergens and irritants from the air.

Plants are known for their pollutant absorbing qualities, but research suggests they are not the best in purifying the air

Make your mini-jungle do your bidding

The recent bloom of biophilic interior designing has seen many welcome greenery indoors. Many sources claim that indoor plants can improve air quality. However some research remains contradictory.

A 2017 research review found that house plants reduce specific indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but the results differed when looking at how much of an impact the plants actually had.

And on the other hand, a 2019 review suggests that the ventilation already present in most buildings does enough to remove VOCs from the air, than indoor plants.

In some instances, indoor plants might contribute to your problems if they become a source of mold or trigger allergies. But if you are in the market for some indoor greenery and possible health benefits, these are the best ones out there:

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) : this easy-to-maintain plant has the ability to purify carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde from your air. It grows quickly and is perfect for beginner home gardeners.
Dragon Plant (Dracaena draco) : widely known for its effectiveness in absorbing trichloroethylene (a major VOC), this plant makes for a bold, leafy statement. It also ranges on the easy side of maintenance and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Reduce the dampness in your home

Dampness indoors can lead to many health hazard like mold growth. This coupled high humidity can cause VOC to leach into the air. Notably, a good extractor fan near your shower is another sage purchase.

Damp environments can result from:

leaky roofs or pipes
areas where water pools
low ventilation in areas with a lot of steam (bathroom, kitchen)

Damp conditions can cause some respiratory symptoms like soughing, wheezing and even asthma attacks.

Reduce dampness indoors:

use a dehumidifier
open a window when you shower or cook
find and eliminate areas of moisture in your home

air — Regularly clean your space to prevent dust and pet dander from accumulating

Simply…clean your space

Another simple way to improve air quality in your home is to increase how often you vacuum. Do this once or twice a week. Cleaning your bedding and curtains, and picking up clutter, can all help reduce pollutants in your home.

I guess that’s why a clean space makes us so happy. Dusting and vacuuming all helps to keep dust, dust mites and pet dander from accumulating. While you’re at it, regularly wash your bedding and clean any surfaces that come into contact with pets. And take a peak at corners where mold may grow.

air — Reduce pollutants in the home, like smoke from a scented candle

Reduce pollutants in the air

Learn about the common sources of pollution and void it when you can. Certain cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can lingers in the air:

bleach
air fresheners
cleaning sprays

Instead, choose non-toxic cleaning products that can help you keep things sparkling without the excess pollutants.

Reduce smoke in the home. Not just cigarette smoke, but anything that also produces smoke. While smoking indoors is not great for air quality, even the tiny plume from your favourite scented-candle can bring particle matter, like soot, into the air.