About 90% of a human being's life takes place indoors, rather than outdoors. With this being said, all of this time indoors is dangerous if the air quality isn't up to par. Close to 2 million deaths happen due to some form of air pollution. Here are some things you should know about indoor air quality and how you can protect your living arrangement.
Why protecting and improving your indoor air quality is such a useful idea
Indoor air contaminants are so common that many different kinds can be present without you even knowing. Some pollutants include tobacco smoke, asbestos, moisture-related contamination, carbon monoxide, radon, and pesticides. When you meet indoor air problems head-on, you'll stay healthy without dealing with adverse health effects.
You might start noticing that you're dealing with indoor air pollutants when your nasal passages or throat begin feeling itchy or irritated. At their worse, these pollutants can lead to cancer. About 17 percent of all lung cancer fatalities stem from pollutants that a person was exposed to right in their own household.
Taking the most common steps toward improving your indoor air quality
Knowing that you have indoor air quality issues is your first step. After you know that these problems need to be addressed, you can mitigate radon, carbon monoxide, or any other pollutant. You can also run a cleaning checklist in your household to make sure you're doing things like changing your air filters, properly cleaning your ovens and other kitchen appliances, getting your airways sprayed down with anti-mold cleaners, cleaning your bacteria-laden carpets and rugs, and purchasing a fresh set of houseplants to provide you with more clean oxygen.
If you feel like you are already exposed to harmful pollutants, bringing a professional in to inspect your home's air quality will be helpful. One of these indoor air quality tests will cost you about $400 and will be a timely investment.
Set your home up with the equipment and technology that'll look after the indoor air quality
Install the right monitors and any other equipment you need to keep your home air clean. A carbon monoxide monitor is a great start and will also keep your home compliant with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws and regulations. Buying a carbon monoxide monitor can cost about $20 and $170. Look into things like dehumidifiers and sophisticated ventilation systems as well.
These tips will help you out with your home indoor air quality.
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