It’s hard to believe that air quality is something we should worry about. We can go outside and breathe in the fresh air, right? Well, not always. When you are inside your home or office building, the air is stagnant and doesn’t change as regularly as it does when you are outdoors. This means that indoor pollutants build up over time without any fresh oxygen coming in to dilute them. To improve this situation, follow these tips for safe indoor air quality.
Get Indoor Plants
Plants are natural air purifiers, and they also help improve moods and productivity by providing a bit of greenery indoors. Indoor plants also help humidify the air, which is especially important in winter when the air tends to be very dry. Let’s not forget how great plants look in a home or office, so get some plants to improve your air quality! Some great plants for improving indoor air quality include:
- Aloe Vera
- Boston Fern
- English Ivy
- Dracaena Marginata
- Peace Lily
- Bamboo Palm
- Chinese Evergreen
- Spider Plant
- Lemon Button Fern
Remember, don’t get a plant unless you’ve done your research to make sure they are the right fit for your conditions. You need to know how much light the plant needs, how much water it needs, and what kind of soil is best.
Use an Air Purifier
If you can’t or don’t want indoor plants, consider using an air purifier. Air purifiers work to remove pollutants from the air and are especially helpful in removing particles like smoke, dust, and pet dander. These are also great for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. There are a variety of air purifiers on the market, so do your research to find the best one for you and your family. You can buy an air purifier from many retail stores or online, and they come in both portable units and larger permanent models. Portable versions are great if you travel and want to use them while staying in a hotel.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals Indoors
One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is by avoiding harsh chemicals. Chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and aerosols can cause health problems if used regularly indoors. They also release pollutants into the air, which will contaminate your indoor environment. If you need to use a chemical for cleaning or other purposes, try to do it outdoors when possible. If that’s not an option, make sure to open windows and doors to allow fresh air while working with the chemical.
Improve Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the leading causes of poor indoor air quality. Make sure your home or office has plenty of windows and doors to allow fresh air in. You should also use ceiling fans or whole-house ventilation systems, especially when cooking or running a heater inside your home during winter.
