so they do not become devices that are contributing to poor indoor air quality. Cleaning your air ducts and furnace filters regularly is another important part of keeping your indoor air quality optimal. Also, never idle a car in an attached garage because the exhaust can travel into the home.
It’s recommended to test your home for radon every five years and always to check for radon buying a home and after major renovations.. Look into your state radon program. Some states provide free or discounted test kits to the public. If elevated levels are found then you can hire a professional to address your radon issues.
2. Ventilate Regularly
The American Lung Association recommends that you eliminate and then ventilate. Letting fresh air into your home on a regular basis is an easy, inexpensive way to actually dilute indoor air pollutants. According to the American Lung Association, “Proper ventilation keeps the air fresh and healthy indoors. Like the lungs, homes need to be able to breathe to make sure that fresh air comes in and dirty air goes out. Air indoors can build up high levels of moisture, odors, gases, dust, and other air pollutants.” (19)
Most heating and cooling systems do not bring fresh outdoor air in. Open the windows and doors (even in the winter) to bring in fresh air. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can also help to reduce indoor contaminants as well.
3. Purify Air Naturally
To improve indoor air quality, make sure to choose natural cleaning products in your home or save a bundle by making your own: baking soda, citrus, essential oils and vinegar have a host of naturally antiseptic properties. My Homemade Melaleuca Lemon Household Cleaner is a great option that is natural and effective but will not pollute your indoor air.
You can also make your own air freshener from water and essential oils or simply simmer cinnamon, cloves and/or other herbs on the stove top. Baking soda and vinegar are also natural odor-removers.
If you’re addicted to candles, avoid petroleum-based ones such as gel and paraffin. Instead, opt for 100 percent beeswax candles with cotton wicks. Beeswax candles are said to clean the air by emitting negative ions. (20)
Washing your bedding frequently in very hot water is another helpful tip for reducing indoor allergens and pollutants. Try your best to buy organic cotton products. Cotton is the one of the most sprayed crops in terms of pesticides.
4. Check Your Products
Not only are healthy home products key, but for the sake of indoor air quality you also want to be choosing healthy personal care products. Commonly used beauty products such as hair sprays and mousses can be yet more items currently poisoning the air you’re breathing indoors.
According to David Rosenstreich, M.D., the director of the division of allergy and immunology at New York’s Montefiore, “We live in a highly chemically infused environment where people use tons of products. Just because it’s on the supermarket shelves doesn’t mean it’s safe.” (21)
Check out your health and beauty products at the Environmental Working Group’s Skindeep site. You can find the most and least toxin-laden cosmetics and skin-care products here and check out your favorites.
Also make sure to avoid petroleum-based laundry detergents, bleach and dryer sheets. Baking soda and vinegar can provide a cheap and effective boost to detergents.