Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.
Most indoor air pollution comes from sources that release gases or particles into the air. Things such as building materials and air fresheners give off pollution constantly. Other sources such as tobacco smoke and wood-burning stoves also cause indoor pollution. Some indoor air pollutants have been around for years.
Use an air purifier
Air purifiers are great tools for times when you can't open a window as often, like during hot or cold months. They help to remove contaminants from the air and improve overall air quality.
In addition, research shows that filtration can be an effective supplement to source control and ventilation. Using a portable air cleaner and/or upgrading the air filter in your furnace or central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system can help to improve indoor air quality.
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and gases from the house. Fit your kitchen with an exhaust fan that moves the air to the outside. Use the fan or open a window when cooking to remove fumes and airborne particles. Make sure gas, propane, wood or other combustion appliances vent completely to the outside.
Because wool fibers absorb toxins within their core permanently, it has even been estimated that wool products may continue purifying indoor air for up to 30 years. It can help to relieve allergies too, as the material's microscopic scales trap dust and impurities until cleaned or vacuumed.
White vinegar is mainly composed of water and acetic acid. The amount or percentage of acid in the vinegar varies depending on brand and its intended purpose. The acetic acid does wonders at pulling odors out of the air and eliminating the bad smell in the house, leaving behind fresh and pure air in your home.
While a humidifier can add moisture to the air, it is not designed to remove pollutants or allergens. If you want to improve the air quality in your home or office, an air purifier is a better choice.
We recommend elevating it no higher than 5 feet off the ground, and this can be done by placing the air purifier on a piece of furniture, such as a dresser. To save space while increasing the floor-to-ceiling cleaning efficiency, look into getting a wall mountable air purifier, like the MinusA2 or the A3.
Air purifiers work by circulating air, and they need space to do it. Air purifiers should be at least 6 inches away from walls, doors, or furniture. Running the device in tight spaces or with other items nearby reduces the amount of airflow the device can generate with its intake fan.
Cinnamon, cardamom, clove, star anise, peppercorn or any other mulling spices work well too. Of course, you don't want to boil paprika so stick to the sweeter smelling spices and leave the savory ones for cooking. These can be used whole or ground, however, I've found whole spices tend to work the best.
Health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
Consider Purchasing An Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Indoor air quality monitors test for various particles in the air, and you can find options that test for any or all of the following: Chemical Pollutants. Humidity. Carbon Monoxide.
You can also bring in pollen and smoke. Leaks around doors and windows can let polluted outdoor air in too. Indoor air also has allergens, such as dust, pet dander, and mold. Building materials, furniture, carpets, scents, and cleaners can release chemicals into the air.