Polluted air isn’t only found near industrial plants and heavily traveled highways. It can also be found in your home or office, two places where you spend the majority of your time. In fact, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the air you breathe outside!
Major indoor air pollutants include dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, chemical products and tobacco smoke. Considering the average American takes 9 out of every 10 breaths indoors, these common contaminants can lead to big problems. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory troubles, headaches, allergic reactions and more.
What can you do to clear the air in your home or office? Always remember to regularly clean ducts and vents and change the filter in your air conditioning system to keep it working properly. Keep all chemical products tightly sealed and use them only in well-ventilated areas. If you feel the air in your home is stagnant and polluted, you may want to open windows and doors to promote air circulation and ventilation. (Of course, this may not be an option for those who are very sensitive to outdoor pollen.)
Air filters are another option to help reduce indoor pollution and contamination. These convenient systems come in many different sizes and strengths to use in spaces big and small. Many feature HEPA filters, which can efficiently and effectively trap and eliminate common household pollutants such as dust, mold, pollen, dander, smoke and unpleasant odors. Look for a filtration or purification system that does not emit ozone, as inhaling this gas can cause many different health problems.