While people often say they prefer outdoor activities, statistics suggest otherwise. According to the EPA, it is said that Americans, on average, “spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.”. When spending the majority of their time indoor, health concerns such as air quality are something people should worry about. Indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality due to many factors. Fortunately, three strategies can help reduce harmful indoor pollutants, improving air quality and supporting better health at home.
Ventilation: Ventilation is a quick and effective method of getting fresh air indoors. Open your windows often to let fresh air circulate inside and replace harmful pollutants. However, if the outdoor air quality is unsafe, such as when pollen levels are high, avoid opening any windows.
Filtration: When outdoor air quality is unsafe, one option you have of getting clean air is through filtration. Air cleaners can filter indoor air, focusing on specific pollutants like dust, pet dander, or pollen. However, Air cleaners are less effective than ventilation because they struggle to filter large particles and cannot eliminate all pollutants.
One common misconception is that the use of household plants improves indoor air quality. Many people base this misconception on a 1989 study conducted by NASA, where plants were shown to remove harmful bacteria in the air. However, the study was conducted in a small, closed environment which did not scale up to real life, and the EPA stated that in order to achieve the same results as NASA, would require having 680 plants in a “typical” house.
In addition, household plants have been found to contribute to unhealthy air quality, as the soil from plants release harmful pollutants and bacteria.
Making Efficient Choices: Our daily actions can improve the air quality. Any tobacco-related products release harmful chemicals into the air. Proper maintenance is important as well. A regularly adjusted gas stove produces significantly less carbon monoxide than one that is not properly adjusted. When choosing to buy items such as paint, try looking for non-toxic items, as they do not contain volatile organic compounds(VOCs) which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
While being outdoors is fun, most people spend their time indoors, where air quality is an issue. By focusing on ventilation, filtration, and making efficient choices, people can change indoors into a better environment where health issues are significantly less of risk. By using these strategies, you can create an environment that provides long-lasting health benefits.
Cherney, Kristeen. “Do Air Purifiers Work? Research, Best Practices, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 24 Apr. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/allergies/do-air-purifiers-work. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
“Getting into the Weeds: Do Houseplants Really Improve Air Quality?” American Lung Association, www.lung.org/blog/do-houseplants-really-improve-air-quality. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
“Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality#causes. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
“What Are the Trends in Indoor Air Quality and Their Effects on Human Health?” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
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