|
home /
home
library /
interior projects /
preventing
indoor air pollution
Preventing Indoor Air Pollution
Several things contribute to indoor air
pollution. Common irritants include smoke, dry cleaned clothes,
household cleaners, and skin particles. Also, compounds
found in carpeting, furniture, and upholstery and drapery
fabric consistently emit gas or fumes. And lets us not forget
about our microscopic friends the dust mites. All of these
elements help to create a combination of debris and dust
that put our lungs in danger.
Thankfully, there are ways to limit the
amount of toxins, dust and debris that we expose ourselves
to on a daily basis. All methods can be divided into three
categories:
-
Elimination of the cause; controlling
the amount of emissions
-
Proper ventilation
-
Air cleaners
One of the easiest ways to control what
you expose your lungs to, it to pay close attention to the
household products that you use. Do your best to use products
with the least amount of toxic chemicals, and make sure
to use stronger chemicals with precaution. Other easy methods
include removing footwear, routine cleaning, reducing dust
collecting surfaces such as open shelves, and remembering
to open windows for fresh air.
Furnace filters and electric air cleaners
are another option, both of which will cost you some extra
money. However, they are both worth the investment when
you consider the well being of your health. Standard furnace
filters are not designed to trap small particles that contribute
to indoor air pollution. Newly designed filters are now
available that actually reduce exposure to particles which
can affect your health. Keep in mind, that the filters which
cost the least produced very little clean air.
Electronic air cleaners reduce the health
effects associated with the intake of small solid or liquid
substances suspended in air, such as dust or light spray
mists. They use an electric field to trap charged particles.
Typically, they are expensive to purchase and install, and
maintenance might be an issue as well. However, when you
take into account the health effects associated with indoor
air pollution, the investment is worth it. Health effects
include eye and lung irritation and even more serious effects
such as cancer and decreased lung function.
If money is a concern, portable units are
available. However, they are not capable of cleaning the
air of large areas. Generally, they are designed to function
in the size of a single room, similar to a window air conditioner.
Last but not least, it is a great idea
to bring plants into your home. Under the right circumstances,
plants can clean an estimated 85% of indoor air pollution.
Not only do plants absorb chemicals from the air, but they
also balance the humidity and increase oxygen levels. Imagine
that, an air cleaner that doesn't make noise, show up on
your utility bill, and break down.
Common Plants Used to Reduce Indoor
Air Pollution
-
Palms
-
Mums and daisies
-
Ferns
-
English Ivy
-
Peace lily
-
Spider plants
-
Dracaenas
|
