Did you know? The air inside your home is often more polluted than the air outside.
It’s true! Though the culprits are typically different types of pollutants than what are found outdoors, these indoor pests often pose even greater hazards to your family’s health. While homes have become much more energy-efficient in the last several years, this often means that they are sealed tighter, trapping mold, bacteria, carbon monoxide, radon, and other microbes and chemicals inside. Those most sensitive to indoor air pollution tend to be children, the elderly, and people with asthma, though it’s been found that some adverse effects on even the healthiest occupants may not appear until years later, after repeated exposure to pollutants.
The situation sounds dire, but luckily there are several fairly easy, inexpensive ways to combat the indoor air issue:
- Splurge on a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and use it at least once a week. This helps to reduce the concentration of lead and other toxins and allergens in your home. Be sure to change out and clean the filter often.
- Mop your floors after vacuuming to pick up the leftover particles. Just plain water is fine—no need to waste your cleaners.
- Use doormats to reduce the amount of chemicals tracked through your house on people’s shoes, or request that your family and visitors take off their shoes as soon as they come in the door.
- Keep the humidity levels at 30-50%. This helps keep dust mites and mold under control. In addition, using your air conditioner in the summer will help reduce allergy-inducing pollen in your home.
- Use fragrance-free or naturally scented cleaners, and avoid aerosols and air-fresheners. These products tend to use toxic chemicals that get trapped in your home’s air. Open a window to let these toxins out, and bring in houseplants, which act as living air purifiers.
- Call Appel to have a professional come out and assess your home’s indoor air quality. There is no singular product that handles all indoor air concerns, but we can help you determine what will make the most sense for your family’s needs.
To read more about indoor air quality, how it can affect your family, and the products available to make your home safe and comfortable, visit the Indoor Air Quality page on our website. And, as always, feel free to contact us for more information or to ask us any questions you might have.