Clean Air - Inside Your Home
I recently came across an article in the local newspaper titled Smog Report: Clean Up The Air In Your Castle (5/15/2011). It's just one of the articles reprinted weekly from a national syndication. What I found interesting is the inference to the dangerous pollutants you may be exposed to in your own home!
The data suggests it may not be uncommon to find the air in your living room may be worse than the air outside of your home. Inhaling byproducts of everything from household cleaners to emissions from your laser printer can be 2 to 50 times higher than the levels in your front yard!
Briefly, here are recommended tasks you can undertake to lessen your risk:
- Ban cigarette smoke. This is the #1 cause of home air pollution.
- Skip air fresheners and spray on cleaners. Too many combinations of known dangerous chemicals.
- Open your windows. Your home needs to be aired out frequently.
- Keep furnaces tuned, vents (heat and dryer) cleaned, fireplace flues sealed and working efficiently, and avoid burning incense and candles.
- Bring live plants into the home to boost air quality.
- Avoid 'gassy' decor. No-iron linens and drapes may release formaldehyde. Wash all permanent press curtains and bedding before using.
- Choose low emission paints, adhesives, sealants, and insulation when remodeling.
To read this article in its entirety and learn more about how to breathe a bit easier in your castle, click here.
