How To Combat Indoor Air Pollution
When you think about air pollution you probably picture haze, smog and the ozone. But what you really should be thinking about is a little more close to home – well more specifically your home. According to data from the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research the air in the average home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Inside homes airborne pollutants can swirl around you, contaminating the air you breathe.
"The contaminants are often invisible and the harmful effects may not be dramatic at first. But exposures add up over time, and so does the damage," says Dr Anne Steinemann, a civil and environmental engineer at the University of Washington.
1\ Ventilation
In order to reduce air pollution the NSW Government recommends that whenever you are cooking make use of overhead exhaust fans. This will significantly reduce your exposure to smoke and help clear the air faster. And yes it might be noisy but when you are having a steamy shower be sure to use the fan as the excess humidity paired with your spray deodorants and cologne is a haven for mould.
Say no to air pollution with a purifier. The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link, it automatically captures gases and 99.95% of fine particles1 in the air such as allergens and pollutants. It also functions as a purifier, cooling fan and heater in one.
2\ Dust mites
We hate to break it to you but whilst you may not be able to see them dust mites are hiding everywhere. To eliminate dust mites wash your bedsheets in hot water (above 60°C) once a week. And just to add a few extra things to your chores list according to the New York University School of Medicine you should be washing your towels after just three uses, damp towels are a breeding ground for microbes.
3\ Surfaces
Grimy kitchen tops and the leftover crumbs on your dining table are heaven for airborne nasties keep on top of it by wiping down surfaces after you've eaten. Your sturdy kitchen cloth just isn't going to cut it, ditch the scented products and use natural cleaning products as well as regularly replacing your washcloth. Don't forget to regularly mop your floors with hot water and give your carpets and rugs a good vacuum.
1. Particle capture tested to EN1822. Gaseous capture tested to JEM 1467 (acetic acid, acetaldehyde, ammonia) and GB/T18801 (formaldehyde, benzene) and DTM-003282 (NO2). Gaseous capture rates vary.
