Why is indoor air quality important?
You would think that the air inside of our homes is cleaner than the air outside. Unfortunately, you and I would be wrong. When we think of the outside air pollution, most tend think of the pollution from planes, trains, automobiles, motorcycles, and factories, etc. The sad truth is, the air inside our homes, buildings and offices can be more polluted than the outside.
The air inside our homes can be contaminated by a number of different things. Items such as a new mattress or furniture, a newly painted room, or carpet cleaners can bring in pollutants. In addition, lead (in house dust), radon, fire-retardants, dust mites, mold, pet dander and chemicals from fragrances can pollute the air inside our homes.
People with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), children, people with asthma, and the elderly may be affected by these indoor air pollutants. Some of the effects on their health may appear much later after repeated exposure.
Because we are spending more time indoors, it is important to address these air quality issues. Poor indoor air quality can lead to poor health.
In the next few blogs, I will share 5 Steps to improve your indoor air quality.
This first step is not going to be very popular, but please don’t shoot the messenger.
Step 1 – Keep Floors Clean and Fresh!
Suck it up… Yep, that is right! The good ole vacuum. Or, I should say, the good ole vacuum with a HEPA filter. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help reduce allergens and reduce levels of lead dust (homes built before 1978 are more inclined to have lead paint and lead dust) found inside also. Toxins like pollen, pet dander, fire retardant chemicals and dust mites can be reduced.
Be sure to use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, strong suction and rotating brushes. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter will help ensure that these pollutants won’t be blown back into your home. In those areas, where the traffic is high, run the vacuum over them several times.
Some other areas to remember – the walls, carpet edges, and furniture. These are all areas where dust will accumulate.
Finally, it is recommended that you vacuum two or more times per week and wash out (or replace) the HEPA filter on a regular basis.
Mop it… Mopping will help pick up the dirt and dust that the vacuum leaves behind. Here is the great news… you don’t have to use any cleaners. Plain water is sufficient enough to pick up any dust or allergens that have been left behind.
Keep it outside… How you ask? Great question! A large floor mat will do the trick! The dirt on our shoes track in all sorts of allergens and chemicals. The reason a large floor mat is recommended is for those people who do not wipe their shoes. When they walk over a large mat, the allergens are left there, rather than in your home.
Indoor air quality is very important for all of us. There are also solutions that can be implemented in your central HVAC (air conditioning and heating) system. I will go over this information in a future blog. If you cannot wait, please feel free to give us a call at 843-821-0937.
