Breathe Easy All Winter
Most people associate the terms “dirty air” and “polluted” with congested streets, factory smoke, and dusty warehouses. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, however, the air inside most homes is much more contaminated than the air outside. In fact, indoor air can be as much as five times more polluted than the outdoor alternative.
Since most people spend as much as 90% of their time inside, indoor air quality should be managed and maintained in order to create healthier atmospheres and healthier individuals. Whether they are in stores, offices, or homes, people should take great care in creating indoor atmospheres that provide healthy air.
People spend more time inside during the winter than in any other season. This means that individuals need to be especially aware of indoor air quality during these months. Health effects from poor indoor air quality range from slight respiratory and physical discomfort to long-term health problems such as cancer and other chronic illnesses. Chronic exposure to some indoor chemicals can cause severe health issues.
Poor ventilation in homes and buildings leads to a build up of allergens in the ducts and air supplies. Pollen, dust, dirt, mold spores, and dander often accumulate in the ventilation system and can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Even healthy people often suffer respiratory discomfort from poor ventilation. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease according to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology and affect somewhere between 40 and 50 million Americans.
Purifying the Air
Individuals and homeowners can effectively remove airborne particles by installing quality air purifiers into the building. There are many different types of purifiers, but the most effective ones filter 100% of the air and kill airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold. Purifiers with High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filters remove most airborne particles while ultraviolet light kills airborne pathogens.
Although air purifiers can be installed to work with the existing Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, there are smaller units that can handle individual rooms. People can use these smaller units to test which combination of ultraviolet lights and filters best suit their needs.
Ultraviolet lights can be added to furnace cooling coils to sterilize them and remove mold and bacteria. Whole home units range in price but usually cost more than $1500 for an installed unit.
Plants and Greenery
Plants add ambiance and clean air. During winter months, houseplants add a bit of warm atmosphere as well as providing the added benefit of clean air. Houseplants offer a better exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen and provide the warmth of living species inside a home during the cold, seemingly dead months of winter.
Low-maintenance plants, such as peace lilies, provide some air filtration while requiring little light and water. According to Richard Green of Green Landscape Nursery, these peace lilies can filter out some benzene and formaldehyde from the air while providing beautiful atmosphere to any room.
Green recommends choosing a plant that fits your home and needs. Make sure that you choose a plant that fits your tendency to water and care for it as well as the amount of sunlight and air exchange within the indoor environment. Smaller plants tend to need more water while larger five-gallon plants need water about once a week.
According to the EPA, however, plants provide minimal air purification and homeowners should invest in air purification units with HEPA filters. Plants can also create opportunities for mold growth due to the moist soil conditions and wet leaves. These moist areas can also harbor other allergens and microorganisms.
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