When somebody starts talking about air pollution, it is usually assumed they are talking about outdoor air pollution. After all, you can probably go outside and see it in the form of ozone, smog or haze. But the truth is that the air inside your home is often times even more polluted than the air outside.
The air inside your home can be polluted by several causes. Your home could be filled with radon, formaldehyde or lead. Some indoor air pollutants are tracked into your home while others arrive in that new chair or couch, when you paint a room or when you douse your kitchen with bug spray.
In the mix of pollutants you find in your home you will find mold, pet dander and dust mites. By the way, these are all major allergens, which might be why you are always feeling sluggish and sneezing and sniffling. Even if you don’t have a pet, you probably have animal dander floating around in your home. You can blame the rodents and other pests that may be living in your house.
Indoor pollution should be a big concern. Stop for a moment and think about how much time you spend in your house. You spend a lot more time in your house than you spend outdoors. In addition, modern houses are quite efficient at keeping air from escaping, so the problem never goes away.
If you want to minimize indoor air pollution, the first step is to stop using spray bug killers, you are poisoning your family as much as you are poisoning the insects in your home.
Earthwise Pest Management, your termite treatment company in Sacramento, offers tips on how to improve your indoor air quality.
Take Off Your Shoes
What is on the bottom of your shoes? Well, whatever is on the bottom of your shoes will be on your carpet when you walk through your house. Which means you could be dragging in all sorts of nasty things. Do yourself a favor and take off your shoes when you enter your home. Also, tell your family members and any guests to do the same.
Keep Your Floors Clean
Allergens accumulate on your floors. They are especially heavy in rugs and carpets. To minimize this, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce those harmful pollutants. If you have tile, vinyl or hardwood floors, mop them on a regular basis.
Don’t Smoke
This goes without saying, but if you want to minimize indoor pollution, don’t light up in your house and forbid anybody else from doing so. Not only does second-hand smoke cause pollution and odors, but it will also increase the chance that you will develop cancer among other health risks. If somebody in your home has to smoke, tell them to take it outside.
Quit Using Aerosol Sprays
Some aerosol sprays release harmful chemicals into the air. A better option is to opt for a non-aerosol version of your favorite hair spray, air freshener or furniture polish.
If you are planning a project that involves spray paint, take it outside.
Get Some Plants
Plants add more than color to a room, they act as natural air filters. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, your home should have at least a few plants to filter the air.
Beeswax Candles
We get it, you like to light a few candles to set the mood or make a room smell nice. Candles do a great job creating the right atmosphere, but paraffin is made from petroleum and it will pollute your indoor air.
Try beeswax candles instead as they emit no smoke and are a great option if you have family members with allergies or asthma.
Remove Mold
Two of the biggest problems people with breathing issues have are mold and mildew. You can reduce mold by fixing any plumbing leaks you might have and by using a dehumidifier. If you spot mold in your home, don’t hesitate to get it cleaned up right away. If you can’t get it clean, call someone who can.
If you have an insect problem in your home, try to avoid using the aerosol sprays you buy at the store. They won’t totally get rid of your infestation and you are polluting the air with them. It is far better to call Earthwise Pest Management.