Simple things you can do to improve your indoor air quality include: Reduce dust by vacuuming regularly and using a microfiber or damp cloth for dusting. Reduce humidity to avoid mold and mildew buildup and change appliance filters regularly. And make sure to test your home for dangerous gases like radon.
Place small bowls of activated charcoal (found in most home goods stores) around your home to naturally absorb toxins and odors. Diffusing essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and lemon can help combat airborne bacteria and create a fresher, cleaner environment.
Many household products release organic vapors that can cause adverse health effects. These effects may include nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Products containing these vapors include paints, strippers, fuels, solvents, pesticides, hobby supplies, cleaners, deodorizers, and disinfectants.
Steps you can take
Change your filter every three months or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner. Move activities outdoors, where airflow is best.
One option is to use UV-C air disinfection to reduce the number of pathogens in a room. You have three primary options: UV-C air disinfection fixtures, upper-air UV-C fixtures, and UV-C systems for HVAC equipment.
Get a “True HEPA” air purifier.
HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and they are an effective instrument in filtering out mold, dust, pollen, and other air pollutants. This type of filter should be replaced every month or two to work efficiently.
Purchase an indoor air quality monitor
They do, and they are the easiest option on the market today for consistently checking your Indoor Air Quality. What is it? An always-on electronic device that consistently tests and reports on the levels of pollution inside your home.
A few of her favorites include Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon. “These are cleansing oils, and can be diffused in your home to help cleanse the air, and promote clear breathing and healthy respiratory functions,” she explains. Eucalyptus supports the respiratory system, and helps to maintain clear airways.
Avoid activities that create smoke or other particles indoors, such as smoking, burning candles, using aerosols, frying food, and vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with markings that say it has a high- efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter Use a damp cloth or mop to trap settled dust particles.
If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.
Allergies, Irritations, or Respiratory Problems
One of the first (and most alarming) signs that your home has poor air quality is if you or your family experience an increase in allergies, irritations, or respiratory problems. These sudden changes can be caused by a variety of air contaminants, such as: Mold spores.
A whole-house air purifier is undoubtedly worth the money for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. The system helps reduce symptoms by removing antagonistic air pollutants. This results in less frequent and intense allergy and/or asthma attacks.
Use an Air Purifier
Air purifiers filter or purify the air of air pollutants by pushing air into it, purifying it, and circulating the cleaner air in the room. Put your air purifier in areas of your home most likely to have the most indoor pollution and that you spend the most time.
If you are allergic to essential oil smells and want to use something plain and basic to remove funky odours, you can place a bowl of baking soda in your home. The alkaline baking soda will purify your air and remove funky odours and foul smells without any extra scent.
Essential oils: Certain essential oils have the capacity to eliminate mold, bacteria, and viruses from the air. Theive's oil has been proven to kill 99.96% of airborne bacterias.
To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution. Clean the surface with soap and water first. Always read the label of disinfecting products to make sure the products can be used on the type of surface you are disinfecting (such as a hard or soft surface).
Use a portable air cleaner or air purifier if you have one
When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space. However, by itself, a portable air cleaner is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.