It’s winter and it’s freezing outside. So the
majority of us are staying inside to stay warm. However, as we spend the
majority of our time inside, that makes indoor air quality an important factor
to consider. In fact, Canadians spend close to 80-90 percent of their time
indoors.
Poor air quality has been shown to cause
and/or irritate a wide array of health effects, such as allergies, asthma,
respiratory infections, ear/nose/throat irritation and inflammation and
potentially COPD or lung cancer.
The following are ten strategies that you can
take to ensure good air quality:
1. Open Up the Windows
Indoor contaminants can build up and get
trapped inside your home. Homes are made to be air-tight so that they can be
energy efficient and keep the warmth inside. However, airing out the house is
important so open your screened windows and let in the fresh air!
2. Get A Hold of Mould
3. Spring Cleaning
Dust is a combination of both chemical and
biological substances that can make breathing difficult for people with
allergies and asthma. Animal dander is a common trigger for people with
allergies and asthma. Use a damp cloth and work from the top down in every
room. Reduce your clutter to prevent dust from collecting. Remove dust
collectors such as carpet, replace furnace filters regularly and have your
furnace inspected annually. Have your pet groomed regularly and keep your pet
off of furniture and out of the bedroom.
4. Butt Out
Prohibit smoking in your home. Second hand
smoke exposes you to harmful chemicals long after smoking ends since they are
absorbed by curtains, linens, furniture and clothes.
5. Fire, Fire, Fire
The scent of wood burning is actually a sign
that there may be levels of dangerous gases and contaminants in the air.
Emissions from wood burning and gas fireplaces can increase concentrations of
potent contaminants including aldehydes, PAH and carbon monoxide. Have your
wood stoves and fireplaces inspected annually and ensure fresh air supply to
avoid back-drafting. Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are
working properly.
6. Radon Alert
This radioactive component of soil can enter
your home through the cracks in basement walls and foundations. Radon is
strongly linked to lung cancer. Check for foundation cracks and seal foundation
appropriately.
7. Appliance Compliance
Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air
conditioners offer ideal breeding conditions for bacteria and microorganisms,
which can be redistributed through the house. Clean these appliances often and
check the filters for growth and mould.
8. Emission Control
New carpets, curtains, furniture and building
materials can release chemical contaminants into the air. They can also become
a source of biological contaminants because they collect moisture, dirt and
debris. Household products and cleaning supplies can also contain a lot of
harmful chemicals. Ensure proper ventilation when using or installing products
of these nature.
Pesticides are a known and dangerous
contaminant. Indoor use of pesticides from spray, deodorizers, or pest control
strips can be toxic to your health. Remove the source instead of having to deal
with the repercussions; clean up promptly after cooking, remove garbage bags
from the kitchen and keep the area free from pest-attractors.
10. Do What You Can
It’s unreasonable to think that all of these
changes can be made overnight. Every home will have unique challenges. However,
any change towards improving air quality in your home, is a positive one.
We spend enough time inside. We might not be able to control
the air we breathe outside of the home, but we can influence what happens in
our own house. Take positive changes towards improving air quality at home and
notice the results in your family’s health! And try to get outside.
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